NBA All-Star Weekendis always full of surprises, but no one expected Damian Lillard to walk away without a single shooting contest win-especially not against a random fan.
During a special challenge set up by YouTube megastar MrBeast, Lillard had one job: hit three logo threes before his challenger could make just one. It sounded like a sure thing. But when a desperate, last-second shot banked in off the glass, the crowd at Chase Center erupted. The fan, later identified as college student Jaren Barajas, had just cashed in on one of the biggest underdog moments of the weekend-winning a cool $100,000 in the process.
Lillard could only shake his head and laugh as Barajas was swarmed by NBA mascots and Hall of Famers, all in shock at what had just happened. The moment felt like something out of a sports movie, with the fan celebrating by diving into a pit of cash while the stunned arena roared.
This wasn’t the only unexpected result for Lillard. Later that night, the Bucks star fell short in the Three-Point Contest, missing out on a historic three-peat. Instead, Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro took home the title, edging out Buddy Hield in a close final round. It was a tough night for Lillard, who had hoped to defend his crown after winning the event in back-to-back years.
Tough night, hometown vibes, and a playoff push ahead
Milwaukee’s Andre Jackson Jr. also had a rough outing in the Dunk Contest, failing to advance past the first round. His 88.8 total score wasn’t enough to compete with the likes of Mac McClung, who pulled off four perfect dunks to win his third straight title.
Despite the setbacks, Lillard had a homecoming of sorts in the Bay Area, where he grew up. He reflected on the weekend with a mix of frustration and appreciation, knowing that even in losses, these events are about giving fans a show. “That’s just how it goes sometimes,” he said. “You never know what’s going to happen out here.”
Now, with the All-Star festivities wrapping up, Lillard and the Bucks shift their focus back to the regular season. Sitting in fifth place in the East, they’ll need a strong push down the stretch to secure a top playoff spot.
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