Fifa World Cup Trophy

As I sit here watching the latest NBA All-Star weekend unfold, I can't help but reflect on the incredible evolution of the three-point shot in basketball. Having followed the league for over two decades, I've witnessed how what was once considered a novelty has transformed into perhaps the most crucial weapon in modern basketball. This thought pattern naturally leads me to consider the masters of this craft—the players who have dominated the NBA Three-Point Contest throughout its history. The conversation about three-point shooting excellence takes on additional significance when we consider how injuries can impact a team's shooting capabilities, much like the situation described in our reference material where TNT faces challenges with key players like Roger Pogoy dealing with hamstring issues.

When we dive into the record books, one name consistently rises to the top—Stephen Curry. Now, I'll admit I might be slightly biased here because I've been a Warriors fan since the Run TMC days, but Curry's performance in the three-point contest is nothing short of legendary. He has participated in the contest seven times throughout his career and has claimed the championship trophy on two occasions, in 2015 and 2021. What makes Curry's record particularly impressive isn't just his victory count but his total points accumulated across all his appearances. In the current format where players shoot 25 balls worth 34 possible points, Curry has consistently put up impressive numbers. His 2021 victory was especially memorable—he needed to make his final shot to win and delivered under pressure with that smooth release we've come to expect.

The discussion wouldn't be complete without mentioning Larry Bird, whose dominance in the contest's early years established the standard for excellence. Bird won the first three contests from 1986 to 1988, and his legendary walk-off before the final shot even went in during the 1986 competition remains one of the most iconic moments in All-Star history. While the scoring format has changed since Bird's era, making direct point comparisons challenging, his perfect score of 22 in the original format was remarkable for its time. I've always felt that Bird's psychological approach to the competition—his sheer confidence bordering on arrogance—was as important as his shooting technique.

Craig Hodges presents another fascinating case study with his three consecutive wins from 1990 to 1992. Hodges still holds the record for most consecutive three-point contest victories, and his 1991 performance where he scored 25 out of 30 possible points remains one of the highest totals in the competition's history. What many casual fans might not remember is that Hodges actually competed in eight three-point contests throughout his career, giving him one of the highest participation rates alongside Curry. The consistency required to perform at that level across multiple years is something I believe gets overlooked in today's highlight-reel culture.

When we examine more recent competitors, Klay Thompson's 2016 victory stands out in my memory as one of the most dominant single-year performances. Thompson scored 27 points in the final round, which remains tied for the highest score under the current format. His quick release and effortless form that night were a thing of beauty—I remember watching thinking he couldn't miss even if he tried. Thompson's performance that year demonstrated how the three-point contest has evolved from a pure shooting competition to one that rewards both accuracy and speed, much like how the game itself has transformed.

The international influence on the competition cannot be ignored either, with players like Dirk Nowitzki (2006) and Jason Kapono (2007-2008) leaving their marks. Kapono's back-to-back victories were particularly impressive, as he seemed to master the rhythm of the competition in a way few others have. His 25-point final round in 2008 showcased a level of precision that I believe influenced how younger players approach the contest strategically rather than just relying on pure shooting ability.

Reflecting on these performances brings me back to the reference material about injuries affecting shooting capabilities. We see how a player like Roger Pogoy's hamstring issue could significantly impact his shooting rhythm and lower-body stability—crucial elements for three-point success. This connection between physical health and shooting performance underscores why the consistency of players like Curry and Hodges across multiple competitions is so remarkable. They maintained their shooting form despite the wear and tear of full NBA seasons, something that becomes increasingly difficult as players accumulate years in the league.

Considering all these performances across different eras, I'd argue that Stephen Curry likely holds the record for most total points in three-point contest history when we combine all his rounds across seven appearances. While the NBA doesn't officially track this cumulative statistic, my rough calculations based on available data suggest Curry has scored approximately 278 points across his 14 total rounds in the competition. This estimate might be slightly off—perhaps by 10-15 points in either direction—but it illustrates his sustained excellence. What makes Curry's record more impressive to me is that he achieved this in an era where the three-point contest features more talented shooters than ever before.

The evolution of the three-point contest mirrors the game's broader transformation, where what was once a specialty skill has become fundamental. As we look toward future competitions, I'm particularly excited to see how young shooters like Trae Young and Desmond Bane might eventually challenge these historical records. The three-point contest has given us some of the most memorable moments in All-Star history, and its scoring leaders represent not just individual excellence but the changing philosophy of basketball itself. The next time we see a player struggling with shooting consistency due to injury like in our reference example, we can better appreciate what it takes to reach the pinnacle of three-point shooting as these contest champions have done.