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NBA 3-Point Contest: A History of Sharpshooting

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, March 2nd 2026 at 8:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Monday, March 2nd, 2026 - The NBA 3-Point Contest has become a cornerstone of NBA All-Star Weekend, captivating fans with displays of sharpshooting prowess. What began as a novelty event in 1986, coinciding with the league's 50th-anniversary celebration, has evolved into a highly anticipated competition showcasing the increasing importance of the three-point shot in modern basketball. This year, as the league continues to witness record-breaking three-point attempts and makes, it's a fitting time to reflect on the history, evolution, and future of this exciting contest.

Initially conceived as a way to highlight the growing long-range shooting skills of NBA players, the contest's early years were dominated by iconic figures like Larry Bird, who won the inaugural event in 1986 with a score of 15. This may seem low by today's standards, but it represented a significant feat at a time when the three-point shot was still relatively new to the NBA landscape. The early contests featured a simpler format, focusing on pure shooting accuracy from designated spots. Players like Michael Frazier (1987) and Jeff Malone (1988) quickly established themselves as early contenders, showcasing that the ability to consistently knock down long-range shots was becoming a valuable asset.

Over the years, the contest has undergone several modifications to enhance its entertainment value and challenge participants. The scoring system, while fundamentally based on makes from various spots around the arc, has been tweaked to introduce more dynamic challenges. Currently, contestants shoot from five designated racks: three from the traditional 3-point line, one from the logo (a significantly more difficult shot), and one from the All-Star logo, further testing their range and accuracy. The competition is structured in rounds, with the top scorers advancing, culminating in a tiebreaker round if necessary.

The rise of players like Steve Kerr (1998), known for his exceptional shooting form, signaled a shift in the contest's dynamic. Kerr's 22-point performance highlighted the growing emphasis on shooting specialization. However, it wasn't until the emergence of players like J.J. Redick and Paul George, both multiple-time participants and winners, that the contest truly began to reflect the evolving style of play in the NBA.

The modern era of the 3-Point Contest has been defined by the exceptional shooting abilities of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Thompson currently shares the record for most wins (2) alongside Jason Kapono (who won back-to-back contests in 2006 and 2007), claiming victories in 2016, 2018, and most recently showcasing his remarkable consistency. However, Curry's impact is undeniable. He not only holds the record for the highest single-round score (28 points) but also the overall highest score in contest history (31 points, set in 2021), a testament to his unparalleled shooting range and accuracy. His 2021 performance wasn't just a high score; it was a statement about the current state of the game, a game increasingly defined by the three-point shot. Tyrese Haliburton matched Curry's record of 31 points in 2023, signaling that a new generation of elite shooters were rising.

The increasing scores in recent years demonstrate a clear trend: the level of shooting talent in the NBA is constantly improving. Players are not only practicing more three-pointers, but they're also developing more efficient and consistent shooting mechanics. This trend is reflected in the contest, where we've seen higher and higher scores in the last decade.

Looking ahead, the NBA 3-Point Contest is likely to continue evolving. Potential future changes could involve incorporating more advanced shooting drills, utilizing different ball sizes, or even introducing elements of gamification. One thing is certain: the contest will remain a thrilling spectacle, celebrating the artistry and skill of the NBA's premier shooters and providing fans with a captivating glimpse into the future of basketball. The growing popularity of the three-point shot ensures that this All-Star Weekend staple will continue to be a major draw for years to come.