Discover the Complete List of NBA 3 Point Champions and Their Record-Breaking Shots

As I sit here watching the Warriors game, I can't help but marvel at how the three-point shot has completely transformed modern basketball. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I've witnessed this evolution firsthand - from when teams barely attempted 15 threes per game to today's analytics-driven era where some teams regularly launch 40-plus attempts. The three-point contest during All-Star weekend has become one of the most anticipated events, showcasing the league's elite shooters in a pressure-packed environment that often produces record-breaking performances.

I remember watching Larry Bird dominate the first three contests with that legendary confidence, famously asking his competitors "who's coming in second?" before the 1986 event. That swagger defined the early years of the competition. The evolution of three-point shooting reached new heights when Stephen Curry entered the league. His 2015 performance where he hit 13 straight shots at one point remains burned in my memory - it was pure basketball artistry. What many fans might not realize is how much the contest format has changed over the years. The current structure featuring five shooting stations with four regular balls worth one point each and one "money ball" worth two points creates dramatic momentum swings that can make or break a shooter's rhythm.

The record books show some fascinating patterns when you dive into the numbers. Craig Hodges and Jason Kapono both won three titles, but Hodges achieved something truly remarkable with his back-to-back-to-back wins from 1990-1992. Personally, I believe Kapono's 2008 final round score of 25 points might be even more impressive given the increased competition level in the modern era. Then there's Devin Booker's 2018 performance where he scored 28 points in the final round - a number that still gives me chills thinking about it. The shooting percentages in these contests are staggering, with winners typically converting around 70-80% of their attempts during their championship runs.

What fascinates me most about the three-point contest is how it reflects the broader strategic shifts in basketball. Teams now actively seek specialists who can stretch defenses, and winning this contest can significantly boost a player's market value. I've noticed that successful contestants share certain traits - lightning-quick releases, consistent form under pressure, and the mental toughness to overcome the unique rhythm challenges of the timed format. The introduction of the "mountain" money ball rack at one station has added another strategic layer, forcing shooters to decide whether to front-load or back-load their special balls.

Looking ahead, I'm convinced we'll continue seeing records fall as players dedicate more training to long-range shooting. The emergence of big men who can shoot, like Karl-Anthony Towns' 2022 victory, demonstrates how the game continues to evolve. As much as I love the high-flying dunk contest, there's something uniquely compelling about the pure shooting display in the three-point competition. It's become the ultimate test of shooting precision under pressure, and each year's champion earns a permanent place in basketball history. The way these shooters perform under the bright lights continues to amaze me, and I have no doubt that future competitions will produce even more breathtaking displays of marksmanship.