NBA All-Star Game: Damian Lillard loses challenge to college student
Eighteen-year-old college student Jaren Barajas had a moment he will never forget, as he had the opportunity to beat a perennial NBA All-Star in a 3-point contest. The “life-changing” moment for Barajas came when he won the “MrBeast Logo Shot Challenge” on Sunday night, hitting a deep shot to not only defeat Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard but also win $100,000.
“This is going to mean the world to me, it’s going to help my family a lot and definitely my future,” Barajas expressed. “Hopefully it’ll help me pay for my education, which it will.”
Barajas only needed to sink one shot from deep, while Lillard had to make three logo three-pointers. With the clock ticking down, Barajas launched a shot as the buzzer sounded, and the multicolored ball swished through the hoop. The ball ricocheted off the backboard before going in, with the bank shot sealing the victory for Barajas.
“It was coming down to the wire, we had 30 seconds left, and my dad always tells me, ‘Use the backboard,’” Barajas shared. “That’s what I had to do to make it go in.”
The surprise of the night didn’t end with the victory. Barajas had no idea he was going to the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at the Chase Center, as his father, Michael Barajas, surprised him with tickets. Little did he know that he would be not only attending the game but also participating in a contest against a prominent NBA player.
“I got surprised with these tickets yesterday, so I didn’t even know I was coming to the game, so to have this experience is so surreal. I’m so thankful,” Barajas expressed. Michael added, “He wanted to go to the game, prices were pretty high, so I kept watching the prices come down, and once I found them where I could afford them, I bought them and surprised him with them yesterday. I can’t believe we’re right here, but I’m glad I did it. He deserves it, and I’m proud of him.”
The unforgettable moment was celebrated with Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith on the court, with Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry beaming as the crowd erupted in cheers. Lillard also congratulated Barajas after the defeat, showering him with dollar bills.
The bank shot will forever be etched in Barajas’ memory, as he basked in the glory of his victory and the unexpected turn of events that led to his remarkable achievement.
