A Complete Guide to the NBA All Star Three Point Contest Winners and Rules

I remember watching my first NBA Three-Point Contest back in 2010, and I've been hooked ever since. There's something magical about watching the game's best shooters line up behind that arc, the pressure mounting with every second that ticks away. The contest has evolved dramatically since its inception in 1986, transforming from a simple side attraction to one of the main events of All-Star Weekend. When Larry Bird won the first three contests with that legendary swagger, he set a standard for clutch shooting that still defines the competition today. The rules have changed, the shooting spots have been adjusted, and the stakes have never been higher for these elite marksmen.

The current format features five shooting stations positioned around the three-point line, with four regular balls worth one point each and one special "money ball" worth two points at each location. But here's what many casual viewers miss—players can place all five money balls at one "money ball rack" of their choosing, creating strategic opportunities for maximizing scores. The introduction of two "Starry Range" shots worth three points each in 2020 added another layer of complexity, rewarding players who can consistently hit from deeper distances. I've always felt this was a brilliant adaptation, acknowledging how the game has evolved with players like Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard regularly sinking shots from well beyond the arc. The 70-second time limit creates this beautiful tension between accuracy and speed—watching a player rush through their final racks as the clock winds down is pure basketball drama.

Looking at past winners reveals fascinating patterns about shooting excellence in different eras. The early years were dominated by Larry Bird's three-peat, followed by Craig Hodges' own three consecutive wins from 1990-1992. Then came the era of shooters like Mark Price, Jeff Hornacek, and Ray Allen—players who embodied textbook form and consistency. The modern era has been defined by Stephen Curry's flair and Klay Thompson's effortless rhythm, though we've also seen surprise winners like Joe Harris in 2019 and Buddy Hield in 2020. Personally, I believe Curry's 2021 victory might be the most impressive performance I've witnessed—he was practically unconscious from deep, hitting shot after shot with that signature quick release. The statistics show that the average winning score has increased from around 16 points in the 1980s to consistently above 25 points in recent years, reflecting how three-point shooting has become more refined across the league.

What many fans don't realize is how much preparation goes into this seemingly straightforward contest. Players don't just show up and shoot—they develop specific strategies for rack placement and shooting sequences. Some prefer to start with their money ball rack to build early momentum, while others save it for last when they're fully warmed up. The shooting rhythm varies tremendously between contestants—some methodically move from spot to spot while others bounce between racks based on personal preference. I've spoken with several participants who revealed they practice the specific contest format for weeks beforehand, often using custom-built racks that mimic the exact contest setup. This level of preparation explains why we sometimes see players who are excellent in-game shooters struggle in the contest environment—the pressure and peculiar rhythm can disrupt even the most seasoned veterans.

The contest has produced some unforgettable moments that have become part of NBA lore. Who could forget Dee Brown's no-look shot in 1991, or Jason Kapono's near-perfect run in 2008? Then there was Kevin Durant's surprising victory in 2013 when many doubted he could outshoot specialized shooters. But for pure drama, nothing tops the 1986 contest when Larry Bird walked into the locker room and famously asked his competitors, "Who's finishing second?" before going out and winning without even taking off his warmup jacket. That combination of skill and swagger is what makes this contest so compelling year after year.

Interestingly, the pressure of the Three-Point Contest can sometimes reveal aspects of a player's game that translate directly to crucial regular-season moments. Take for example Sumalah Sugapong's performance where she finished with 11 points and four rebounds but fouled out with three minutes to play—while this particular statistic comes from a different basketball context, it reminds me how shooting under pressure separates great players from good ones. In the Three-Point Contest, there's no defense, no fouls to worry about—just pure shooting skill meeting psychological pressure. The ability to maintain composure when every eye is on you, when the clock is winding down, when one miss could cost you the title—that mental toughness often correlates with clutch performance in actual games.

Having analyzed shooting forms and strategies for years, I've developed my own theories about what makes a successful three-point contest participant. The best contestants typically have a quick but consistent release, efficient motion that conserves energy, and the mental fortitude to forget missed shots immediately. Players like Kyrie Irving (2013 winner) demonstrate how creative shooters can adapt to the format, while specialists like Steve Novak (who surprisingly never won) show that pure regular-season accuracy doesn't always translate to contest success. The evolution of the contest rules has generally improved the spectacle, though I sometimes miss the simplicity of the original format—there was something pure about five racks of five balls without the complication of special zones or time bonuses.

As the NBA continues to emphasize three-point shooting, the Three-Point Contest has grown from an entertaining diversion to a serious showcase of one of basketball's most essential skills. The winners' list reads like a hall of fame of shooting excellence, from Bird and Hodges to Curry and Thompson. Each era has produced its own shooting heroes, each champion adapting to the rules of their time while demonstrating that timeless combination of skill, nerve, and rhythm. For me, the contest remains the purest expression of shooting artistry in basketball—a test where reputation means nothing and only the swish of the net through the hoop matters. As the game evolves further, I expect we'll see even more innovation in the contest format, but the essential challenge will remain the same: five racks, seventy seconds, and the opportunity to cement your place among the greatest shooters in basketball history.