I was watching the NBA All-Star Weekend last night when it hit me—I’ve always been fascinated by the sheer spectacle of the three-point contest. Year after year, the best shooters in the world step up to that arc, and you can feel the pressure even through the screen. It got me thinking: who has scored the most points in NBA 3-point contest history? I mean, we all remember those iconic performances, right? The ones where the net barely moves because every shot is pure silk. But when it comes to raw numbers, there’s a mix of legendary names and a few surprises.
Let’s start with the king of the contest, at least in my book: Stephen Curry. Now, I might be biased because I’m a Warriors fan, but the numbers don’t lie. In the 2021 contest, Curry put up a staggering 31 points in the final round. That’s not just a record—it’s a statement. I remember watching that night, and it felt like he was in a trance, barely missing a shot. But he’s not alone in the history books. Craig Hodges, for instance, was a machine back in the day, winning three straight titles from 1990 to 1992. In his 1991 run, he scored 25 points in the final round, which was insane for that era. And let’s not forget Klay Thompson, who dropped 27 points in 2016. Honestly, as a fan, I think Curry’s performance edges out the others because of the difficulty level today; the shots are deeper, and the pressure is amplified by social media and global audiences.
Now, you might wonder why I’m diving into this topic today. Well, it’s partly because I was reading up on some basketball news earlier and came across a piece about Reyes skipping a game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. That got me thinking about how injuries and absences can shake up competitions, just like in the NBA 3-point contest. For example, in that article, it mentioned TNT possibly playing without Kelly Williams due to a sprained ankle and Roger Pogoy dealing with a hamstring issue. It’s a reminder that even the best athletes face setbacks, and in the 3-point contest, we’ve seen stars like Larry Bird dominate despite nagging injuries. Bird, by the way, won the first three contests in the ’80s, and his top score was around 22 points in 1986. It wasn’t the highest ever, but back then, the format was simpler, and his confidence was off the charts. I’ve always admired how he’d trash-talk and still drain every shot—it’s that kind of mental toughness that separates the greats.
But let’s get back to the numbers. If we’re talking overall points across multiple appearances, I’d argue that consistency matters as much as peak performance. Players like Ray Allen, who never won the contest but participated multiple times, racked up decent totals. In his best year, 2005, he scored 19 points in the final round. Not record-breaking, but solid. On the other hand, Devin Booker’s 28 points in the 2018 final round is often overlooked because he didn’t win the title that year, but it’s one of the highest scores ever. Personally, I think the evolution of the game has made these contests more thrilling. With the rise of analytics, everyone’s shooting more threes, so the competition is fiercer. I mean, in the early ’90s, Hodges’ 25 points felt untouchable, but now we have guys like Curry pushing 30 regularly. It’s a testament to how the sport has grown.
Speaking of growth, that article about Reyes and the injuries at the Smart Araneta Coliseum ties into how unpredictable these events can be. Just as TNT might struggle without Williams and Pogoy, the 3-point contest has had its share of surprises. Remember in 2020 when Buddy Hield won with 27 points? Nobody saw that coming, especially with big names like Trae Young in the mix. It’s those underdog stories that make me love basketball even more. And let’s not ignore the international angle—players from overseas, like Dirk Nowitzki, who won in 2006 with 18 points, showing that shooting transcends borders. I’ve always felt that the NBA’s global reach adds layers to these contests, making the question of who has scored the most points in NBA 3-point contest history not just about stats, but about cultural moments.
Wrapping this up, I’d say Stephen Curry holds the crown for the single-round record with 31 points, but history is filled with legends who’ve left their mark. From Hodges’ dominance to Curry’s modern mastery, it’s a rich tapestry. And as I reflect on that news about injuries, it’s clear that health and timing play huge roles—just like in any sport. So next time you’re watching the All-Star Weekend, remember those peak performances, and maybe even debate with friends: who really is the greatest three-point shooter in contest history? For me, it’s Curry, but I’m open to hearing other takes. After all, that’s what makes fandom so fun.
