In a night defined by historic achievements and high-flying upsets, NBA All-Star Saturday Night 2026 delivered unforgettable moments at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. While Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson electrified the crowd to claim the NBA Slam Dunk Contest crown, the evening belonged to Damian Lillard. The Portland Trail Blazers superstar, currently sidelined with a torn Achilles, defied the odds to secure his third career Damian Lillard 3-Point Contest title, tying a legendary NBA record held by Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.

Damian Lillard Wins Historic Third 3-Point Title Despite Injury

Damian Lillard cemented his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history by winning the 2026 Starry 3-Point Contest. What makes this victory truly remarkable is Lillard's current status: he has not played a single minute of the 2025-26 NBA season due to a torn Achilles tendon suffered during last year's playoffs. Receiving special clearance from the league to participate, Lillard proved that his shooting touch remains pristine even while rehabbing a major injury.

"I wanted to come out here and feel that competition again," Lillard said after hoisting the trophy. "To be mentioned with Larry Bird and Craig Hodges is an honor I don't take lightly."

Lillard posted a blistering score of 29 in the final round, narrowly edging out Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, who finished with 27. Charlotte Hornets rookie sensation Kon Knueppel also reached the finals but finished third with 17 points. Lillard's victory marks his third title in four years (2023, 2024, 2026), a feat of dominance rarely seen in the event's history.

How the Final Round Unfolded

Devin Booker looked poised to reclaim the title he won in 2018 after exploding for 30 points in the first round. However, Lillard saved his best for last. Donning his Trail Blazers warm-up gear, he found a rhythm early in the championship round, draining four of five shots from his money-ball rack. Booker, shooting last, needed to sink his final money ball to tie but watched it rattle out, sealing the historic win for Lillard.

Keshad Johnson Claims 2026 NBA Slam Dunk Contest Crown

The night concluded with the AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, where Miami Heat forward Keshad Johnson emerged as the surprise champion. Entering the night as an underdog against high-flying rookie Carter Bryant of the San Antonio Spurs, Johnson delivered a series of consistent, powerful dunks to bring the trophy back to South Beach.

Johnson's path to victory was paved by a stunning first dunk in the final round—a self-lob off the backboard into a between-the-legs reverse slam that garnered a score of 49.6 from the judges. He followed it up with a windmill dunk from just inside the free-throw line, earning a 47.8 to finish with a total round score of 97.4.

Carter Bryant, who had the crowd on its feet with a perfect 50 on his opening final-round dunk, faltered on his second attempt. Needing a high score to overtake Johnson, Bryant missed multiple attempts at a complex dunk, eventually settling for a safety dunk that scored only 43, handing the title to the Miami forward.

Team Knicks Dominates Return of Shooting Stars Competition

For the first time since 2015, the NBA brought back the Shooting Stars competition, replacing the traditional Skills Challenge. The revamped event featured teams composed of current stars and franchise legends. Team Knicks, featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and legendary sharpshooter Allan Houston, took home the hardware in dominant fashion.

The Knicks trio showcased incredible chemistry and precision, completing the final course with a score of 47 points. They defeated Team Cameron—comprised of Jalen Johnson, Kon Knueppel, and Corey Maggette—who finished with 38 points. The highlight of the event was Allan Houston sinking the half-court shot on his first attempt in the opening round, reminding fans why he was one of the league's deadliest shooters.

Complete NBA All-Star Saturday Night 2026 Results

  • Starry 3-Point Contest: Damian Lillard (Winner), Devin Booker (Runner-up)
  • AT&T Slam Dunk Contest: Keshad Johnson (Winner), Carter Bryant (Runner-up)
  • Kia Shooting Stars: Team Knicks (Winner) - Brunson, Towns, Houston

As the basketball world turns its attention to Sunday's All-Star Game, Saturday night will be remembered for Lillard's resilience and Johnson's breakout performance. For Lillard, tying the all-time record while inactive for the season adds a unique chapter to his Hall of Fame resume, proving that "Dame Time" runs on its own schedule.