Damian Lillard’s triumphant return to the spotlight at the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend wasn’t just another highlight—it was a testament to resilience, legacy, and the enduring power of Dame Time.
On Saturday, February 14, inside the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the Portland Trail Blazers guard captured his third State Farm 3-Point Contest title, joining Larry Bird (1986-88) and Craig Hodges (1990-92) as the only players in NBA history to win the event three times.
Lillard’s performance—56 points across two rounds, including a clutch 29 in the finals—edged out Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker (27) and Charlotte Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, turning what could have been a feel-good appearance into a record-tying historic moment.
What made this victory extraordinary?
Lillard hasn’t played a single NBA minute this season. He tore his left Achilles tendon on April 27, 2025, during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The injury came as he was ramping up from a prior deep vein thrombosis diagnosis that had already sidelined him for weeks.
Surgery followed on May 2, 2025, and the standard recovery timeline for an Achilles tear at his age (now 35) is typically 9-12 months—or longer—for a full return to elite competition. The entire 2025-26 season has been a write-off for games, with Lillard focusing on methodical rehab in Portland.
Yet, invited by the NBA to compete despite his absence from the court, Lillard showed no rust. In the opening round of the eight-player field—which also included Tyrese Maxey, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, Bobby Portis Jr., and Norman Powell—he posted 27 points to advance alongside Booker (30) and Knueppel.
In the finals, going first, he caught fire: cashing in money-ball racks, burying deep contested looks, and finishing strong to post 29—the highest final-round score in recent contests and enough to hold off Booker’s late push.
The Intuit Dome crowd erupted as confetti fell, and Lillard hoisted the trophy in a Portland Trail Blazers jersey, a sight that stirred deep nostalgia for Rip City fans. Lillard’s return to the Blazers this past offseason—signing a multi-year deal after his Bucks tenure ended amid injuries—marked a homecoming after the emotional 2023 trade saga.
Back in the organization where he became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, a nine-time All-Star, and the face of a loyal fanbase, this All-Star appearance felt like a bridge between past glory and future hope.In his post-event media availability, Lillard kept his trademark poise.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, noting how meaningful the win was amid his ongoing recovery. “I’m at the stage where I’m testing it,” he said of his rehab progress, emphasizing patience and honest limits-testing while hinting this fuels his drive toward a full return—likely in the 2026-27 season.
He even cracked a light joke about defending the title next year, underscoring the confidence that has defined his career.The broader All-Star Saturday context amplified the story.
While Keshad Johnson of the Miami Heat took home dunk contest honors, Lillard’s shootout dominated headlines and social media. Fans flooded platforms with reactions celebrating the improbable comeback, and clips of his logo bombs went viral.
For a league often criticized for prioritizing flash, Lillard delivered substance: a veteran defying medical odds, proving clutch ability transcends injuries, and reminding everyone why he’s beloved.
This wasn’t just about points from beyond the arc—it was about perseverance. Ten months removed from surgery, with no regular-season games under his belt, Lillard stepped up and seized the moment.
As the Trail Blazers continue their rebuild around young talent, his presence—both symbolic on this weekend and soon-to-be literal on the court—offers inspiration.
Naorem Mohen is the Editor of Signpost News. Explore his views and opinion on X: @laimacha.