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3-Point Contest: Rules, Records, and History

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 19:08 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: New York, California, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, UNITED STATES

The Fundamentals of the Contest

The 3-Point Contest challenges participants to shoot from five designated stations around the 3-point arc. Each station differs in value, adding a strategic layer to the competition. Rack 1 is worth 1 point, Rack 2 earns 2 points, and Rack 3 offers 3 points. The final, and most crucial, station - the "moneyball rack" - doubles the value of each successful shot. Players begin with 225 possible points in the first round and a potential 300 in the final round, with a time limit and bonus time awarded for made shots.

A Record of Excellence: The Highest Scores

The pursuit of the highest score in the contest has seen several players reach impressive heights. Currently, Stephen Curry reigns supreme, setting the record with a phenomenal 31 points in the final round of the 2023 competition. This broke the previous high score of 30 held by Klay Thompson, achieved in 2016. The list of players who have cracked the 28-point barrier is a 'who's who' of modern NBA sharpshooters, including Kevin Durant, J.J. Redick, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, Duncan Robinson, and most recently, Tyrese Haliburton in 2024.

Here's a look at the top 10:

1. Stephen Curry - 31 (2023)
2. Klay Thompson - 30 (2016)
3. Kevin Durant - 28 (2010)
4. J.J. Redick - 28 (2018)
5. Kyrie Irving - 28 (2019)
6. Joe Harris - 28 (2021)
7. Duncan Robinson - 28 (2022)
8. Tyrese Haliburton - 28 (2024)
9. C.J. McCollum - 27 (2019)
10. Jason Kapono - 27 (2007)

The Reigning Champion: A Tale of Consistency

While many have excelled, Craig Hodges stands alone as the most decorated participant in 3-Point Contest history. He secured the title three times (1988, 1990, and 1992), a feat unmatched by any other competitor. Remarkably, Hodges remains the only player to have won the contest multiple times, highlighting his exceptional consistency and mastery of the skill. The competition has been dominated by one-time winners, creating a narrative of unpredictability and showcasing the difficulty of repeating as champion.

A History of Winners

From Larry Bird's inaugural victory in 1986 to Tyrese Haliburton's triumph in 2024, the list of 3-Point Contest winners is a testament to the evolution of shooting in the NBA. Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, and more recent stars like Stephen Curry and Devin Booker all have their names etched on the trophy. A full list of winners underscores the cyclical nature of the game, with new generations of shooters rising to prominence and challenging the established order.

Evolution of the Competition

The contest hasn't remained static since its inception. The rules have been modified over the years to enhance the spectacle and challenge the competitors. In 1991, the shooting positions were moved from the corners to align with the standard 3-point arc. The most significant addition came in 2014 with the introduction of the "moneyball rack." This rack, with its double-point value, created a higher-risk, higher-reward scenario, encouraging players to attempt quick scoring bursts and adding a dramatic element to the final moments. The evolution of the contest reflects the NBA's increasing emphasis on the three-point shot and the growing importance of long-range shooting in the modern game.

As the NBA continues to evolve, the 3-Point Contest will undoubtedly adapt as well, ensuring it remains a captivating and relevant event for years to come. It's a celebration of skill, precision, and the art of shooting - a fitting tribute to the players who have mastered this crucial aspect of the game.