The NBA has officially pulled back the curtain on the most anticipated event of All-Star Saturday Night, and the announcement has sent shockwaves through the league. The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest will feature a high-octane field of sharpshooters, headlined by the surprise return of two-time champion Damian Lillard. Despite a challenging season defined by injury, the legendary guard is set to step back onto the hardwood to remind the world why "Dame Time" remains a global phenomenon.
Lillard’s inclusion in the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest is the primary talking point of the festivities. Now back with the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard has not played a single minute during the 2025-26 regular season due to a persistent Achilles injury. His decision to make his season debut on the All-Star stage—skipping traditional game action to participate in the shooting competition—adds a layer of intrigue and drama to an event already brimming with talent. As the basketball world descends on the mid-season break, all eyes will be on Lillard to see if his legendary range remains intact after the long layoff.
Damian Lillard Chases History in Portland Colors
When Damian Lillard takes his position at the first rack, he will be shooting for more than just a trophy; he will be shooting for a place in the record books. Lillard, who won back-to-back titles in 2023 and 2024, is seeking his third career 3-point title. A victory would allow him to join the elite company of Larry Bird and Craig Hodges as the only three-time winners in the history of the competition. After Tyler Herro claimed the crown in 2025, the throne is currently vacant, and Lillard is eager to reclaim his status as the NBA's distance king.
Representing the Portland Trail Blazers once again, Lillard’s presence provides a massive emotional boost to the Portland faithful. While his Achilles injury has kept him off the floor for the Blazers' regular-season campaign, his participation indicates he is nearing a full return. The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest serves as the perfect low-impact, high-visibility platform for one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game to re-establish his dominance.
The Heavyweight Challengers: Booker, Mitchell, and Murray
Lillard will face a gauntlet of elite scorers who are currently in the prime of their careers. Leading the charge of challengers is Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns. A former champion himself, Booker possesses the rhythm and pure shooting mechanics that translate perfectly to the timed format. Joining him is Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose explosive scoring bursts often come via high-volume perimeter shooting. Mitchell has been one of the most consistent deep threats in the Eastern Conference this season, making him a frontrunner to reach the final round.
The Western Conference is also well-represented by Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets. Known for his "Blue Arrow" celebrations and clutch shooting, Murray’s inclusion brings a championship pedigree to the field. Murray’s ability to get hot in an instant makes him a dangerous threat to Lillard’s comeback story. Additionally, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers enters the contest as one of the fastest-rising stars in the league, bringing a high-energy shooting style that could easily overwhelm the competition if he finds his groove early.
Rookies, Big Men, and Efficiency Specialists
The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest field is rounded out by a fascinating mix of specialists and surprises. Perhaps the most intriguing name on the list is Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets. As a rookie, Knueppel has taken the league by storm with his advanced shooting splits, and his inclusion marks a rare opportunity for a first-year player to dethrone established veterans on a global stage.
The field also features two players who represent the ultimate floor-spacing threats:
- Bobby Portis Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks): Often the emotional heart of the Bucks, Portis brings size and a high-arching shot to the contest. As the lone "big man" in this year's field, his participation highlights the evolution of the modern NBA where frontcourt players are just as lethal from deep as their backcourt counterparts.
- Norman Powell (Miami Heat): Now a key piece of the Heat’s offensive attack, Powell has been one of the most efficient spot-up shooters in the league. His compact motion and ability to rack up points from the corner make him a legitimate dark horse to win the entire event.
What to Expect on All-Star Saturday
The format for the competition remains the ultimate test of accuracy under pressure. Each participant will navigate five racks of balls in 70 seconds, including the "money ball" rack and the deep-range "Starry" balls worth three points each. The stakes are particularly high this year, as the field features a mix of former champions and hungry young stars looking for their first major All-Star hardware.
While the focus will inevitably remain on Damian Lillard and his surprise return to action, the depth of the 2026 field ensures that no one can coast to a victory. From the veteran savvy of Devin Booker to the rookie ambition of Kon Knueppel, the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest is shaping up to be a historic chapter in the league's mid-season celebration. Fans can expect a night of high scores, deep range, and perhaps a new record as these eight elite marksmen battle for perimeter supremacy.
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