This evening, Cleveland’s Mortgage FieldHouse will host the 36th edition of the NBA 3-Point Contest, an integral part of the All-Star Weekend since its introduction in 1986. The event has been held annually, except in 1999 when the All-Star Game was canceled due to the NBA Lockout of 1998-99.
Traditionally, the 3-Point Contest takes place on the Saturday before the All-Star Game. However, last year in Atlanta, all events were condensed into one night due to the coronavirus pandemic.
While Sunday’s All-Star Game is the main event, several contests are scheduled for the night before, including the Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, and Slam Dunk Contest.
NBA All-Star: Who Has Won the Most 3-Point Contests?
In its 36-year history, only seven players have won the 3-Point Contest more than once.
Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird won the first three contests from 1986 to 1988, setting a record for three consecutive victories. Craig Hodges, formerly of the Chicago Bulls, matched Bird’s achievement by winning in 1990, 1991, and 1992. Hodges also holds records for the most shots made in one round (21/25) in 1986 and the most consecutive shots made (19) in 1991.
Five other players have won the contest twice, with each winning in consecutive years: Mark Price (Cleveland Cavaliers, 1993 and 1994), Jeff Hornacek (Utah Jazz, 1998 and 2000), Peja Stojakovic (Sacramento Kings, 2002 and 2003), and Jason Kapono (Toronto Raptors, 2007 and 2008). Stephen Curry joined this elite group after winning last year’s contest by narrowly defeating Utah Jazz’s Mike Conley. Curry scored 31 points in the first round and clinched victory with a final score of 28, just one point ahead of Conley.
Kapono remains the last person to win back-to-back contests.
2022 3-Point Contest Will See a New Winner
This year will introduce a new winner, with favorites being the Clippers’ Luke Kennard and the Nets’ Patty Mills. They will compete against sharp shooters such as CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans), Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks), Zach LaVine (Chicago Bulls), Desmond Bane (Memphis Grizzlies), Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves), and Fred VanVleet (Toronto Raptors).
Which Teams Have the Most 3-Point Contest Winners?
Three teams are tied at the top with four winners each:
– Miami Heat: Glen Rice (1995), Jason Kapono (2007), Daequan Cook (2009), James Jones (2011).
