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2026 3-Point Contest: A Look at the Contenders

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 5:22 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

The Contenders: A Look at the 2026 Lineup

The 2026 field is packed with talent, featuring a compelling mix of proven 3-point specialists and players looking to cement their status as elite shooters. Here's a closer look at each participant:

• Jalen Brunson: The 2022 champion returns, hoping to recapture the magic that saw him crowned victor. Brunson has continued to refine his shooting stroke and is a key offensive threat for his team.
• Donovan Mitchell: A dynamic scorer, Mitchell won the contest in 2021 and brings an explosive energy to the competition. His ability to create space and shoot on the move makes him a formidable opponent.
• Tyrese Haliburton: The 2023 winner, Haliburton is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's premier point guards and a consistent 3-point threat. His smooth shooting form and high percentage make him a favorite.
• Steph Curry: A two-time 3-Point Contest champion (including the most recent victory in 2025), Curry is widely considered the greatest shooter of all time. His mere presence elevates the competition and adds immense pressure on his rivals. Many consider him the frontrunner, despite the competitive field.
• Damian Lillard: The 2024 champion and known for his clutch shooting, Lillard is a deep-threat specialist who can get hot in a hurry. His confidence and range are unparalleled.
• Dejounte Murray: A rising star with a developing 3-point game, Murray's athleticism and length give him a unique advantage. He's steadily increased his 3-point attempts and accuracy, making him a dark horse candidate.
• Luke Kennard: The 2020 champion, Kennard remains a pure shooter with a knack for finding the bottom of the net. His consistency and focused approach make him a threat to repeat his past success.
• Jason Tatum: The 2019 winner, Tatum has blossomed into an all-around superstar. His improved 3-point shooting is a key component of his game, and he's determined to add another trophy to his collection.

Format Breakdown: How the Competition Will Unfold

The 3-Point Contest is structured in a two-round format designed to test both consistency and clutch shooting ability.

Round 1: Each player will have one minute to shoot from five designated spots around the 3-point arc. Each rack contains five balls, with the standard arc shots worth one point each. Some racks also include designated "money balls" worth two points each. The eight players with the highest combined scores will advance to the final round.

Round 2 (The Championship Round): The final eight will get another opportunity to showcase their shooting skills. This round introduces an element of strategy, as players are allowed to select the location of up to three "money balls" - shots worth three points each - to maximize their potential score. The player with the highest total score in the final round will be crowned the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest champion.

Montreal as the Host: A Canadian Showcase

The selection of Montreal as the host city adds another layer of excitement to the event. Canada has a passionate basketball fanbase, and the 3-Point Contest will provide a platform to showcase the sport's growth in the country. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness the sharpshooting spectacle.

Recent History & Trends

The last few years of the 3-Point Contest have seen a shift towards younger players claiming the crown. Haliburton, Brunson, Mitchell, Kennard, Tatum, Lillard and Curry's consecutive wins demonstrate that the contest is no longer solely dominated by established veterans. This trend suggests that the 2026 contest could see another rising star emerge as a champion. The consistency of Curry and Lillard proves that experience and proven skill are still huge assets in this competition.

Where to Watch The 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest will be broadcast live on ESPN, ensuring fans across the globe can witness the action. Streaming options will also be available through the ESPN app and other digital platforms. Don't miss the opportunity to see some of the NBA's best shooters battle it out for 3-point supremacy!