Get ready for a showdown that’s as electrifying as it is controversial—the NBA’s Three-Point Contest is back, and it’s more than just a warm-up act for the Slam Dunk Contest on All-Star Saturday night. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this event truly a test of pure shooting skill, or has it become a platform for players to pad their resumes with a flashy title? This year, the contest takes center stage in Los Angeles at the Clippers’ Intuit Dome, where the league’s sharpshooters will battle it out for bragging rights. And let’s be honest—with the NBA overflowing with elite three-point marksmen, this isn’t just a sideshow; it’s a must-watch spectacle.
Leading the charge is Damian Lillard, whose participation alone is reason enough to tune in. At 35, the veteran guard is making a comeback after rehabbing from a torn Achilles suffered last April. Despite not playing a single NBA game this season, Lillard’s resume speaks for itself—he’s a two-time Three-Point Contest champion, having won in 2023 and 2024 before Tyler Herro claimed the trophy last year. And this is the part most people miss: Lillard’s return isn’t just about winning; it’s about proving that even after a career-threatening injury, he’s still one of the best shooters in the game. Shooting uncontested threes might seem like a cakewalk, but for Lillard, it’s a chance to remind the world why he’s a legend.
Beyond Lillard, this year’s lineup is stacked with stars like Tyrese Maxey, Devin Booker, Donovan Mitchell, and Jamal Murray. But the real wildcard? Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel, who’s fresh off a scorching start to his debut season. If he wins, he’ll make history as the first rookie to ever claim the title. Bold prediction: Knueppel’s youth and fearlessness could upset the veterans, but will experience trump potential? That’s the million-dollar question.
As we gear up for the 2026 edition, let’s take a trip down memory lane. Since its inception in 1986, the Three-Point Contest has been a staple of All-Star Weekend, crowning legends like Larry Bird, Steph Curry, and Dirk Nowitzki. Here’s a quick rundown of every winner:
| Year | Winner | Team | Location |
|----------|--------------------|------------------------|-----------------------|
| 2025 | Tyler Herro | Miami Heat | San Francisco Bay Area|
| 2024 | Damian Lillard | Milwaukee Bucks | Indianapolis |
| 2023 | Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers | Salt Lake City |
| 2022 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves | Cleveland |
| 2021 | Steph Curry | Golden State Warriors | Atlanta |
| 2020 | Buddy Hield | Sacramento Kings | Chicago |
| 2019 | Joe Harris | Brooklyn Nets | Charlotte |
| 2018 | Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | Los Angeles |
| 2017 | Eric Gordon | Houston Rockets | New Orleans |
| 2016 | Klay Thompson | Golden State Warriors | Toronto |
| 2015 | Steph Curry | Golden State Warriors | New York City |
| 2014 | Marco Belinelli | San Antonio Spurs | New Orleans |
| 2013 | Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers | Houston |
| 2012 | Kevin Love | Minnesota Timberwolves | Orlando |
| 2011 | James Jones | Miami Heat | Los Angeles |
| 2010 | Paul Pierce | Boston Celtics | Dallas |
| 2009 | Daequan Cook | Miami Heat | Phoenix |
| 2008 | Jason Kapono | Toronto Raptors | New Orleans |
| 2007 | Jason Kapono | Miami Heat | Las Vegas |
| 2006 | Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks | Houston |
| 2005 | Quentin Richardson | Phoenix Suns | Denver |
| 2004 | Voshon Lenard | Denver Nuggets | Los Angeles |
| 2003 | Peja Stojaković | Sacramento Kings | Atlanta |
| 2002 | Peja Stojaković | Sacramento Kings | Philadelphia |
| 2001 | Ray Allen | Milwaukee Bucks | Washington D.C. |
| 2000 | Jeff Hornacek | Utah Jazz | Oakland |
| 1999 | Canceled - lockout | N/A | N/A |
| 1998 | Jeff Hornacek | Utah Jazz | New York |
| 1997 | Steve Kerr | Chicago Bulls | Cleveland |
| 1996 | Tim Legler | Washington Wizards | San Antonio |
| 1995 | Glen Rice | Miami Heat | Phoenix |
| 1994 | Mark Price | Cleveland Cavaliers | Minnesota |
| 1993 | Mark Price | Cleveland Cavaliers | Minnesota |
| 1992 | Craig Hodges | Chicago Bulls | Orlando |
| 1991 | Craig Hodges | Chicago Bulls | Charlotte |
| 1990 | Craig Hodges | Chicago Bulls | Miami |
| 1989 | Dale Ellis | Seattle SuperSonics | Houston |
| 1988 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | Chicago |
| 1987 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | Seattle |
| 1986 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics | Dallas |
The contest’s history is as rich as it is surprising. Larry Bird, the inaugural winner, dominated the early years, winning three consecutive titles—including his iconic 1988 victory, where he kept his warm-up jacket on the entire time. Bold question: Was Bird’s jacket a sign of confidence or just a quirky habit? Either way, it’s part of NBA lore. Since then, the contest has evolved, with rule changes like the introduction of money balls in 2014 and deep three-point shots in 2020, pushing the maximum score to 40 points. Steph Curry and Tyrese Haliburton hold the record for the highest single-round score at 31 points, but is that record safe with the rising talent in the league?
Speaking of iconic moments, let’s not forget Karl-Anthony Towns’ 2022 performance. As the only center aside from Dirk Nowitzki to win the contest, Towns dropped 29 points in the final round, proving that big men can shoot. Controversial take: Are centers the future of the Three-Point Contest, or will guards always reign supreme? Let’s debate that in the comments.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the Three-Point Contest is more than just a shooting competition—it’s a testament to skill, precision, and the evolution of the game. So, who’s your pick to win this year? And more importantly, do you think the contest truly crowns the best shooter in the NBA? Let’s hear your thoughts!
