In a shocker, nine-time All-Star Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard failed to even advance out of the first round of Saturday’s 3-Point Contest during 2025 All-Star Weekend at Chase Center.
The Oakland native, who had been looking to become the first player to three-point in the 3-Point Contest since Chicago Bulls combo guard Craig Hodges achieved the deed in 1993, couldn’t get the job done.
More Milwaukee Bucks: Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers Not a Finalist for 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame
In his first (and last) round of play, Lillard finished with 16 points, not enough to catch the three players who advanced — Golden State Warriors (who notched a record-tying 31 points), All-Star Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro, and two-time All-Star Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Darius Garland.
That tally was actually the fourth-best among the competing pool, as New York Knicks All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson finished with 18 points.
Damian Lillard’s #Starry3PT reign comes to an end as he is eliminated in the first round 😱
Moving on:
◻️ Buddy Hield
◻️ Darius Garland
◻️ Tyler Herro pic.twitter.com/zEfafuitMX— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) February 16, 2025
A frustrated Lillard could be seen cursing after missing out on a second round appearance.
Damian Lillard said “Fuck” after not making it to the second round pic.twitter.com/NOWXD3ZTSb
— Follow For More Clips (@Heavenlybuckets) February 16, 2025
Herro, a Milwaukee native, narrowly bested Hield in front of his homecourt’s fans in the final, 24-23. It was his second appearance in the competition, but his first win. The 6-foot-5 wing is a 38 percent shooter from distance this year.
A LIGHTS-OUT PERFORMANCE FROM @raf_tyler 🎯
The @MiamiHEAT sharpshooter takes home the #Starry3PT trophy! https://t.co/F9jMDQEA0k pic.twitter.com/tVzdGbahc1
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 16, 2025
Next up for the Bucks, Lillard’s starting backcourt mate Andre Jackson Jr. will look to upset another standout competitor looking to secure a three-peat of his own. The second-year swingman will strive to take down Orlando Magic two-way player Mac McClung, who’s hoping to win his third consecutive AT&T Slam Dunk Contest.
Read More: Andre Jackson Jr. Motivated to be First Bucks Player to Win Slam Dunk Contest
Lillard may have missed out on a relatively meaningless competition this weekend, but the 34-year-old likely has his sights set on a bigger prize: winning his first NBA title with Milwaukee this spring. To that end, the team is currently 29-22 at the All-Star break, good for the Eastern Conference’s No. 5 overall seed.
This season, the 6-foot-2 Weber State product has been connecting on 38.2 percent of 3-point attempts on 9.1 triple tries per bout. Across 44 games thus far, the seven-time All-NBA honoree is averaging 25.8 points on .452/.382/.921 shooting splits, 7.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 steals a night.
More Milwaukee Bucks:
Former Bucks Legend Marques Johnson Named Finalist for 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame
Milwaukee All-Star Guard Damian Lillard Announces $25K Scholarship for Students in Bay Area
Veteran Guard Could Be Option for Bucks on Buyout Market
For more Bucks news, visit Milwaukee Bucks on SI.
Longtime Warriors coach Steve Kerr is tired of NBA referees missing traveling violations. After Golden State’s 119-101 win over the Charlotte Horn
The Detroit Pistons have been one of the best stories of the 2024-25 NBA season.They are currently the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 35-27 record
OKLAHOMA CITY -- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 51 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Houston Rockets 137-128 on Monday night for their 50th win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his incredible season Monday when he scored 51 points on the Houston Rockets to help his Oklahoma City Thunder grab their 50th