Lillard Wins Third 3-Point Title as All-Star Saturday Delivers Thrills

NBA All-Star Saturday Night took place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, where top players competed in the 3-Point Contest, Shooting Stars, and Dunk Contest. The events drew big crowds and marked key moments in the 75th annual All-Star Weekend, which started Friday with other games and continued through Sunday's All-Star Game.

Background

All-Star Weekend kicked off on Friday in the Los Angeles area. The celebrity game happened at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. Then the Rising Stars game went down at Intuit Dome, where Team Vince beat Team Melo in a close matchup. The night wrapped with the HBCU Classic between Hampton and North Carolina A&T men's teams, also at the Kia Forum.

Saturday's events built on that energy. Fans packed Intuit Dome starting at 5 p.m. ET for the skills competitions. These nights often steal the show from the Sunday All-Star Game, which this year features a USA vs. World format for the first time. The weekend celebrates the league's stars and brings back fan favorites like Shooting Stars, which returned after a break.

The 3-Point Contest featured sharp shooters like Damian Lillard. The Dunk Contest had rookies Jase Richardson and Carter Bryant alongside veterans Jaxson Hayes and Keshad Johnson. Shooting Stars mixed current players with NBA alums such as Richard Hamilton, Allan Houston, Corey Maggette, and Ron Harper Sr.

Key Details

3-Point Contest

Damian Lillard won the 3-Point Contest for the third time, tying an NBA record. He matched the highest score ever in a final round despite dealing with an Achilles injury recovery. Lillard drained shots from all stations, showing off his range and focus under pressure.

Devin Booker had a strong first round, hitting nearly everything. Other competitors pushed hard, but Lillard pulled ahead in the end. His performance set the tone for the night.

Shooting Stars Competition

Team Knicks, made up of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and alum Allan Houston, won the Shooting Stars title. They scored 31 points in the first round to advance, then put up 47 in the final to beat Team Cameron's 38.

Team Cameron included Kon Knueppel, Jalen Johnson, and Corey Maggette. They scored 24 in the opening round. Team Harper with Ron Harper Jr., Dylan Harper, and Ron Harper Sr. got 18 points and moved on briefly but fell short. Team All-Star, featuring Scottie Barnes, Chet Holmgren, and Richard Hamilton, scored 16 and was eliminated early.

The event tested quick passing and shooting from different spots. Houston and Maggette brought veteran flair, wowing the crowd with smooth shots.

"It's the first in 20 years he’s really paying attention to what I have to say about basketball," said Jason Brunson about his son Jalen, chuckling during a talk with reporters.

Dunk Contest

Keshad Johnson took home the Dunk Contest win. The forward beat out rookies Jase Richardson and Carter Bryant, plus center Jaxson Hayes. Johnson landed powerful dunks that mixed creativity and power, earning top marks from judges.

Richardson and Bryant, both highly rated prospects, brought fresh energy with high-flying moves. Hayes used his size for impressive finishes. The contest capped the night with non-stop action.

Other notes from the weekend included Giannis Antetokounmpo sitting out the All-Star Game due to a calf injury but saying he feels good after rehab.

"I feel good. I feel 100%, to be honest with you," Antetokounmpo told reporters.

LeBron James skipped media day for the fourth year in a row, planning a Sunday presser. Cade Cunningham praised teammate Isaiah Stewart, calling him the longest-tenured Piston who always steps up. Tyrese Maxey named his all-time Kentucky starting five, including DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis.

What This Means

Lillard's third 3-Point win cements his place among the best shooters in league history. It shows his grit, competing at a high level while nursing an injury. Johnson's Dunk Contest victory boosts his name as a rising forward who can deliver in big spots.

Team Knicks' Shooting Stars success highlights the mix of today's stars and past greats. Brunson and Towns, key Knicks players, got a fun team win that could carry over to their season push.

The events underline the strength of this year's rookie class, with Richardson and Bryant shining despite not winning. All-Star Weekend spotlights young talent alongside vets, giving fans a preview of the league's future.

Viewership for these competitions often tops the All-Star Game, pointing to a shift in what draws audiences. The USA vs. World Game on Sunday might build on that with fresh matchups. Players like Antetokounmpo and James staying engaged off-court keeps the focus on health and team loyalty amid the festivities.

Cunningham's shoutout to Stewart reminds everyone of the grinders who make teams run. Maxey's lineup pick sparks talk about college legacies and current stars. Overall, Saturday Night delivered memorable plays that will be replayed for weeks, setting up an exciting close to the weekend.