Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has officially announced his retirement from the NBA 3-Point Contest after falling short in his bid for a historic three-peat at All-Star Saturday Night. The 34-year-old guard, who won the event in 2023 and 2024, was hoping to become just the third player in league history – joining Larry Bird and Craig Hodges – to win three consecutive titles.
Damian Lillard to Retire From the 3-Point Contest
However, Lillard’s night ended early as he failed to advance past the opening round, scoring just 18 points. The contest was ultimately won by Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, who edged out Buddy Hield and Darius Garland in the final round. Following his early exit, Lillard confirmed that this was his last time participating in the event. “Came up short tonight,” Lillard said. “Congrats to Tyler. It’s all good… This will be my last one. I’m retiring. Officially retiring.”
Dame’s officially retiring from the 3-point contest. pic.twitter.com/I9f1s9kkR2
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 16, 2025
Lillard’s Legacy in the 3-Point Contest
Lillard walks away as one of the most accomplished players in 3-Point Contest history, winning back-to-back titles and showcasing his deep-range shooting ability throughout his career. He currently ranks fourth all-time in made three-pointers with 2,760 and counting, a testament to his elite shooting ability.
The significance of Lillard’s retirement from the contest extends beyond the event itself. His ability to hit shots from well beyond the arc has made him a pioneer in the modern NBA’s three-point revolution. While players like Stephen Curry have received much of the attention for their deep-range shooting, Lillard has quietly built his own legacy as one of the most feared shooters in league history.
Despite falling short in his final appearance, Lillard remains one of the game’s most feared perimeter shooters. His ability to stretch defenses well beyond the arc has made him a vital weapon for the Bucks this season, where he is averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. His shooting presence not only creates spacing for teammates but also forces defenses to extend beyond the three-point line, making the Bucks’ offense more dynamic.
What’s Next for Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks?
Lillard’s decision to step away from the contest also signifies his evolving priorities as he continues his quest for an NBA championship. With his focus now fully on leading Milwaukee to postseason success, his role as the team’s floor general and offensive anchor remains more crucial than ever.
Lillard’s announcement marks the end of an era for one of the league’s best long-range marksmen. While he may no longer participate in the contest, his shooting prowess will continue to be a major factor for the Bucks as they push for a deep playoff run. Fans may not see him in future All-Star Saturday Night events, but his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
His next stop? The NBA All-Star Game, where he will make his ninth appearance on Sunday night, further cementing his legacy as one of the premier guards of his generation.
Photo credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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