NBA 3 Point Champions: The Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Shooters in History

As I sit here watching the latest NBA three-point contest, I can't help but marvel at how dramatically this competition has evolved since its inception in 1986. The three-point line has fundamentally changed basketball strategy, and the champions who've mastered this art form represent some of the most fascinating stories in sports history. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I've witnessed firsthand how three-point shooting transformed from a novelty to an essential weapon in every team's arsenal.

When Larry Bird won the first three three-point contests from 1986 to 1988, he wasn't just establishing a legacy—he was proving that long-range shooting could be as thrilling as any dunk. I remember watching those early contests where players would methodically work through racks of balls in what felt like a deliberate, almost mathematical exercise. The pace was different then, more methodical, but the pressure was just as intense. Bird's famous "who's coming in second?" quack before his first victory perfectly captured the confidence these elite shooters need to possess. What many casual fans don't realize is that Bird shot 42.7% from three-point range during his championship seasons, numbers that would still be respectable today despite the evolution of defensive schemes.

The turn of the millennium brought us the legendary Ray Allen, whose picture-perfect form I've tried to emulate in countless driveway shooting sessions. Allen's 2001 victory showcased a new breed of shooter—one who incorporated the three-pointer seamlessly into their overall game rather than treating it as a specialty. His career 2,973 three-pointers stood as the record for years, and watching him prepare for competitions was like watching a master craftsman at work. The precision in his routine, the consistent arc on every shot—these elements separated the good shooters from the truly great ones. I've always believed Allen's dedication to perfecting his mechanics, often shooting hundreds of extra shots after practice, set the standard for today's generation.

Then came the revolution sparked by Stephen Curry, who didn't just break records but completely reimagined what was possible from beyond the arc. I'll never forget watching his 2015 performance where he needed just one ball on the final rack to secure victory—and drained it with that characteristic shoulder shimmy we've all come to recognize. Curry's impact extends far beyond his two championship titles; he fundamentally changed how teams defend the perimeter and inspired an entire generation to start shooting from deeper ranges. His 2016 season where he made an unbelievable 402 three-pointers—shattering his own record of 286—still seems like something from a video game rather than real life.

What fascinates me about tracking these three-point champions is how their success often translates to team performance in the regular season and playoffs. The evolution of the three-point shot has created multiple scenarios for how games can unfold, much like the various draft day possibilities that teams must prepare for. Just as franchises must consider different outcomes when building their rosters, coaches now need contingency plans for when their shooters are hot versus when defenses successfully take away the perimeter. This strategic depth makes modern basketball infinitely more interesting to analyze, though I'll admit I sometimes miss the more physical, inside-focused game of the 90s.

Looking at the current landscape, players like Damian Lillard and Buddy Hield have continued pushing the boundaries of what we consider "makeable" shots. Lillard's game-winning shots from what I call "the parking lot" have become his signature, while Hield's quick release reminds me of the shooting machines that dominate today's analytics-driven NBA. The three-point contest has evolved from a sideshow to must-see television because it represents basketball's ongoing evolution. As much as I appreciate the artistry of post moves and mid-range game, there's an undeniable thrill watching these specialists perform under pressure, each shot representing years of repetition and mental conditioning. The greatest shooters in history haven't just won titles—they've permanently altered how basketball is played at every level, and that legacy continues with each new champion crowned.