NBA All-Star Game: Damien Lillard challenges college students
The “life-changing” moment will never be forgotten by 18-year-old college student Jaren Barajas. NBA All Stars In a 3-point contest.
Jaren Barajas won the “Mrbeast Logo Shot Challenge” on Sunday night. Milwaukee Bucks Star Damien Lillard wins $100,000.
“This would mean the world to me. It would help my family a lot. “Hopefully it will help pay for my education.”
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Jaren Barajas celebrates after taking part in a race against Damien Lillard for the Milwaukee Bucks to win $100,000 in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Chase Center. (Kyle Terada-imagn image)
Barajas had to hit one shot from the deep, but Lillard was tasked with hitting three-pointers with three logos. With the clock caught, Barajas buzzed and multicolored balls splattered over the hoop so he threw one.
The ball broke from the backboard before it got in, and the bank was open as the expression progressed. And in the process it filled Barajas’ own bank account.
“It’s coming down on the wire, there’s 30 seconds left, and my dad always says, ‘Use the backboard,'” Barajas explained. “That’s what I had to do to get it to do.”
What’s interesting is that there were no clues that Barajas was going to the Chase Centre. 2025 NBA All-Star Game On a Sunday night, he wanted to go, but he didn’t have it on the calendar.
His father, Michael Barajas, jumped at the opportunity to surprise his son, finding the price of the ticket he was looking for. If that was a surprise to Jalen, imagine how he felt he was asked to participate in the contest.
Damien Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks was filmed at Chase Center at the 2025 NBA All-Star Game. (Kyle Terada-imagn image)
“I was surprised by these tickets yesterday so I didn’t know I was in the game. It’s so surreal to have this experience. I’m very grateful,” he said.
Michael said, “He wanted to go to the game, so the prices were pretty high so I kept seeing the prices drop and when I found a place I could afford yesterday, I was surprised with him yesterday. I can’t believe it. It surprised him more than ever. We are here, but I’m glad he deserves it.
Bankshot is something Jalen will never forget, especially as he celebrated on the court with Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith. Golden State Warriors star Steph Curry was listening to the crowds screaming.
Jalen Barajas will pose with his father Michael on Sunday, February 16, 2025 after beating Damian Lillard in a three-point contest in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Janie McCauley)
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And Lillard also found Jalen after his defeat, to bless him.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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