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From Bird to Curry: A History of the 3-Point Contest

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 18:17 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: California, New York, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, Utah, UNITED STATES

The Early Years: Establishing a Tradition (1986-1990s) The contest debuted with Larry Bird taking the inaugural crown in 1986, scoring a modest 18 points. This set the stage for an event that, while initially viewed as a sideshow, quickly captured the imagination of fans. Early winners like Jeff Malone, Dale Ellis, and Terry Porter established a pattern of solid, if unspectacular, scoring. The format remained largely consistent - shooters taking five racks of five balls each from designated spots around the 3-point arc. The 1990s saw a rise in talent with players like Glen Rice (21 points in 1995), Jason Terry (20 in 1998) and Ray Allen establishing themselves as premier shooters, foreshadowing the 3-point revolution to come. The scores were creeping up, but the contest hadn't yet reached the heights of aerial displays we see today.

The Modern Era: The Rise of the Sharpshooters (2000s - Present) The 21st century witnessed a significant leap in 3-point proficiency across the NBA. This trend was reflected in the 3-Point Contest, with players consistently pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Vince Carter's impressive 25-point victory in 2002 hinted at the potential for higher scores, but it was Stephen Curry who truly redefined the contest. Curry's 28-point performance in 2015 signaled the arrival of a new breed of shooter. However, it was in 2021 that he etched his name into contest history, achieving a record-breaking 31 points in a single round - a score that remains the benchmark.

Curry wasn't alone in dominating the modern contest. Klay Thompson, another member of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, claimed victory in 2016 and 2018. Jason Kapono enjoyed a rare back-to-back win in 2007 and 2008, and more recently, Damian Lillard has emerged as a force, securing wins in both 2023 and 2024. Lillard's consecutive victories demonstrate a continuation of the trend towards elite, clutch shooting. His 30 point performance in 2024 just one point shy of Curry's record underscores the incredibly high level of competition.

Key Players and Records

Stephen Curry currently holds the record for the highest single-round score (31 points). The consistent performers, aside from Curry and Thompson, include J.J. Redick (a two-time winner), Mike Miller, and Devin Booker. Reggie Miller stands out for his longevity, having participated in the contest a record five times. The progression of winning scores over the years clearly illustrates the increasing emphasis on 3-point shooting in the modern NBA. While early winners often scored in the mid-teens, recent champions routinely exceed 20 points, often flirting with, or exceeding, the 30-point barrier.

The Future of the Contest

As the NBA continues to evolve, the 3-Point Contest will undoubtedly adapt with it. We might see rule changes, altered shooting distances, or new scoring systems to further challenge the participants. One thing is certain: the contest will remain a showcase for the incredible skill and precision of the league's best shooters, providing a thrilling spectacle for basketball fans worldwide. The recent successes of Lillard and Curry suggest that the bar will continue to be raised, and we can expect even more impressive displays of marksmanship in the years to come. The competition is no longer about simply making shots, but about showcasing the art of shooting, and captivating audiences with gravity-defying displays of accuracy.