Hold onto your hats, basketball fans! In a surprising twist, Damian Lillard, the star guard who has been benched all season due to injury, will be lacing up his sneakers for the 3-point contest at the upcoming All-Star Saturday. But here's where it gets intriguing... Lillard's comeback coincides with the Olympics, creating a unique sports crossover event.
The NBA's announcement has fans buzzing. Lillard, known for his clutch performances, is set to showcase his shooting prowess despite not playing a single game this season due to a torn Achilles tendon. And the timing couldn't be more perfect. The 3-point contest will kick off the All-Star Saturday festivities, right after NBC's coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Talk about a seamless transition from ice to hardwood!
Lillard will be joining an elite group of shooters, including 2018 champion Devin Booker and rising stars like Kon Knueppel and Tyrese Maxey. But here's the part most fans are eager to see: If Lillard wins, he'll enter an exclusive club with legends Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners of this prestigious contest.
The evening doesn't stop there. After the 3-point contest, the Shooting Stars competition will make its return, followed by the always-entertaining dunk contest. And let's not forget, this will be Lillard's first time back in action since rejoining the Portland Trail Blazers. His journey has been a rollercoaster, from getting injured with the Milwaukee Bucks to becoming a free agent and returning to his original team.
Interestingly, Lillard isn't the first player to compete in the 3-point contest without making a single 3-pointer in the season. Back in 1989, the NBA invited Lithuanian player Rimas Kurtinaitis, who never played in the league. Lillard, however, has a rich history with the Trail Blazers, having been drafted by them in 2012 and spending 11 seasons before his trade to Milwaukee.
With last year's winner, Tyler Herro, notably absent due to injuries, the stage is set for Lillard to reclaim his crown. Will he rise to the occasion and make history? Tune in to find out, as the NBA promises an All-Star Saturday to remember!
