Who Scored the Most Points in NBA 3-Point Contest History?

When people ask me about the most electrifying moments in NBA All-Star weekend history, my mind immediately goes to the three-point contest. Having watched basketball religiously since the late 90s, I've developed a particular fascination with the evolution of long-range shooting, and the three-point contest serves as the perfect annual showcase of this transformation. The question of who scored the most points in NBA three-point contest history isn't as straightforward as it might seem, given the format changes over the years, but the data reveals some fascinating patterns and legendary performances that have defined eras of basketball.

I remember watching Larry Bird dominate the early competitions with that legendary confidence of his, back when the three-pointer was still considered somewhat of a specialty shot rather than the fundamental weapon it is today. The scoring system has evolved significantly since those days, which makes cross-era comparisons particularly interesting. The current format features two rounds with 27 balls total per round, including those special money balls and the two deep shots worth three points each, creating a maximum possible score of 40 points per round. When we talk about sheer volume and consistency across multiple appearances, Stephen Curry's name inevitably comes up, and honestly, I've never seen anyone make shooting look so effortless. His 2021 performance where he hit his final shot to clinch the victory remains one of my favorite basketball memories - the sheer drama of that moment was incredible.

But if we're talking about single-round explosions, the record belongs to Devin Booker, who posted an incredible 28 points in the 2018 contest. I was watching that live and couldn't believe what I was witnessing - he was in such a rhythm that every release seemed automatic. Close behind him is Karl-Anthony Towns' surprising 29-point final round in 2022, which was particularly remarkable considering he's a seven-foot center. This evolution in shooting proficiency across all positions speaks volumes about how the game has transformed during my years of fandom. The fact that big men now regularly compete and excel in what was once considered guards' territory shows how positionless basketball has become.

The international influence on three-point shooting cannot be overlooked either, which brings me to an interesting parallel with global basketball. While researching this piece, I came across news about Reyes skipping the game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the possibility of TNT playing without injured big man Kelly Williams due to a sprained ankle and shooting guard Roger Pogoy (hamstring). This reminded me of how global the three-point revolution has become - players from Manila to Milwaukee are developing this crucial skill. The injuries to Williams and Pogoy highlight how physical ailments can disrupt shooting rhythm, something that three-point contestants must constantly manage during the regular season before the All-Star break.

What many casual observers might not realize is the psychological component of these shooting competitions. Having spoken with several participants over the years, I've learned that the pressure of the clock and the bright lights affects even veteran shooters differently. Craig Hodges, who won three consecutive contests from 1990-1992, once told me that he treated each rack like its own mini-contest, a mental approach that clearly worked given his historic success. The consistency required to win multiple titles, as Hodges and Bird did, demonstrates a mental fortitude that goes beyond mere shooting mechanics. In my view, this psychological dimension is what separates good shooters from legendary ones in these high-pressure situations.

The strategic evolution in approach fascinates me as well. Early contestants tended to move methodically from rack to rack, while modern shooters like Curry and Booker employ more sophisticated pacing strategies, often starting with their stronger sides or saving money ball racks for crucial moments. This tactical development mirrors how three-point shooting has become more analytical in actual games, with teams meticulously tracking shooting percentages from different zones. The introduction of the two three-point balls worth three points each in 2014 added another strategic layer that contestants have had to adapt to, and I've noticed the best shooters develop specific approaches for these high-value shots.

When considering the greatest three-point shooters in contest history, we must account for both peak performance and longevity. While Booker holds the single-round record, Curry's combination of high scores across multiple appearances gives him what I consider the most impressive resume in contest history. His 27-point round in 2015 remains one of the most technically perfect shooting displays I've ever witnessed, with his flawless footwork and lightning-quick release on full display. What makes Curry special in my estimation isn't just the makes, but the consistency of his form under pressure - every shot looks identical regardless of the situation.

The future of three-point shooting appears brighter than ever, with younger players regularly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The contest has evolved from a novelty to a premier All-Star event, reflecting the three-pointer's transformation from occasional weapon to offensive cornerstone. As injuries to players like Williams and Pogoy demonstrate, health remains crucial for shooters maintaining their rhythm, but the fundamental skill continues to spread across positions and geographic boundaries. Having watched this evolution for decades, I'm convinced we haven't seen the ceiling yet for three-point shooting proficiency, both in the contest and in actual games. The records will continue to fall as shooting techniques refine and players dedicate more training specifically to long-range accuracy.