Who Will Dominate the NBA All Star Three Point Contest This Year?

As I sit here watching the latest NBA highlights, I can’t help but get excited about the upcoming All-Star Weekend, especially the Three-Point Contest. Year after year, this event delivers drama, clutch performances, and unforgettable moments. But this season, the field feels more open than ever—there’s no clear-cut favorite, and that’s what makes it so compelling. I’ve been following the league closely for over a decade, and I’ve noticed how the three-point shot has evolved from a specialty weapon to an essential part of every team’s arsenal. So, who’s going to step up and dominate this year? Let’s dive in.

When I look at the usual suspects—Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and Klay Thompson—it’s hard not to feel a mix of respect and curiosity. Curry, for instance, is a living legend, but he’s had his off nights in this contest before. Remember 2021? He put up a staggering 28 points in the final round, but in other years, he’s fallen short when fatigue or pressure crept in. Lillard, on the other hand, brings that killer mentality; I’ve always admired how he elevates his game in high-stakes moments. Then there’s Thompson, who’s been working his way back from injuries. His shooting form is still pure, but consistency might be the issue. Personally, I’d love to see him make a strong comeback—it’d be a feel-good story for the ages. But let’s not forget the dark horses. Players like Desmond Bane or Tyrese Haliburton have been lighting it up from deep this season. Bane, in particular, has hit 43.2% of his threes on over eight attempts per game. That’s elite efficiency, and in a contest setting, that kind of rhythm could be deadly.

Now, you might wonder why I’m bringing up players like Sumayah Sugapong in a discussion about the NBA Three-Point Contest. Well, it’s not just about the big names; sometimes, it’s the underdogs or the role players who surprise us. Sugapong’s recent performance—finishing with 11 points and four rebounds, but fouling out with three minutes to play—highlights how unpredictability can shape outcomes. In her case, it wasn’t a shooting showcase, but the fouling out bit reminds me of how pressure can derail even the most prepared athletes. In the Three-Point Contest, mental toughness is just as crucial as shooting skill. I’ve seen it time and again: a player might be draining threes in practice, but under the bright lights of All-Star Weekend, nerves take over. That’s where experience comes into play. Curry, for example, has been in this spot so many times that he almost seems relaxed. But for newcomers, it’s a different ball game. If I had to bet, I’d say the winner will be someone who combines hot shooting with ice-cold composure.

Shifting gears, let’s talk numbers for a moment. The average three-point percentage in the NBA this season hovers around 36.5%, but contest winners often need to hit closer to 40-45% in the finals to secure the title. Last year, we saw a winning score of 27 points in the final round, which translates to hitting 15 of 25 shots if you include the money balls. That’s no small feat, especially when you consider the pressure of the clock and the crowd. From my perspective, the key isn’t just volume; it’s about pacing and shot selection. I remember analyzing past contests and noticing that players who start slow but build momentum tend to fare better. For instance, in 2019, Joe Harris didn’t blaze through the first rack, but he caught fire later and clinched it. That’s why I’m leaning toward a player like Haliburton this year—he’s young, hungry, and has shown he can handle big moments without crumbling. Plus, his release is quick and smooth, which is a huge advantage when every second counts.

But here’s where I get a bit opinionated: I think the league is overdue for a surprise winner. We’ve had Curry and Lillard types dominate the narrative, but what about a sharpshooter from a small-market team? Take Luke Kennard, for example. He’s been quietly efficient, shooting a ridiculous 48.9% from three this season on limited attempts. Sure, it’s a smaller sample size, but in a one-off event like this, that kind of accuracy could steal the show. I’d love to see him get an invite—it’d shake things up and maybe even inspire more underrated players to step into the spotlight. On the flip side, I’m a bit skeptical about players who rely too much on volume. For instance, if someone like Trae Young enters, he might put up 30 attempts in a game, but in the contest, it’s about quality over quantity. From my experience watching these events, the winners often have a balanced approach, mixing speed with precision.

Wrapping this up, the Three-Point Contest is more than just a sideshow; it’s a microcosm of the NBA’s evolution. With the game becoming more perimeter-oriented, this event gains significance each year. My prediction? I’m going out on a limb and saying Desmond Bane will take the crown. He’s got the stats, the mindset, and frankly, I think he’s flying under the radar enough to avoid the pressure that comes with being a favorite. But if Curry or Lillard brings their A-game, all bets are off. Ultimately, it’s this uncertainty that keeps fans like me glued to the screen. Whatever happens, one thing’s for sure: we’re in for a thrilling display of shooting prowess that’ll have us talking long after the confetti settles.