Damian Lillard made a triumphant return to the NBA spotlight during the All-Star Weekend, winning the 3-point contest in Inglewood, California. It marked his third title in the competition, the most in history, and was especially emotional after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon that sidelined him for about 10 months.
Despite not having played in the regular season, Lillard prepared rigorously, engaging in daily shooting drills to maintain his skills. His entry into the contest was almost accidental, stemming from a joking conversation, but he took the opportunity seriously, stating he approached the contest with the same intensity as a game.
In the competition, he scored 27 points in the first round, then outperformed Devin Booker in the final round with 29 points, overcoming a tense moment as Booker closed in on him. Lillard expressed that his win represented not only personal strength but the resilience of athletes facing injuries. While he is optimistic, he noted that a full return to play this season is unlikely, highlighting the need for patience in his recovery process.
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