Who Will Win the NBA 3 Point Contest 2024? Top Contenders and Predictions

As I sit here watching game footage from last season, I can't help but feel that familiar thrill building up. The NBA Three-Point Contest has always been one of my favorite All-Star weekend events, and the 2024 edition promises something special. Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've developed a keen eye for shooting mechanics and competition mentality, and this year's field looks particularly stacked with talent that could produce one of the most memorable showdowns in recent history.

When we talk about three-point shooting in today's NBA, we're essentially discussing the evolution of the game itself. The way teams approach spacing and shot selection has completely transformed over the past decade. I remember watching Ray Allen's textbook form back in 2008 and thinking it couldn't get any more perfect, but today's shooters have taken that foundation and built skyscrapers on it. The contest isn't just about pure shooting anymore - it's about rhythm, endurance, and handling pressure when millions are watching. That championship mentality we saw in Game 3 of last year's finals between Denver and Miami? That's exactly what separates good shooters from legendary performers in this contest.

Stephen Curry enters this conversation not just as a contender but as the benchmark against whom all other shooters are measured. At 35, he's somehow maintained that lightning-quick release and unlimited range that revolutionized the game. Last season, he connected on 42.7% of his three-point attempts despite facing the most aggressive defensive schemes I've ever seen deployed against a single player. What many casual fans don't appreciate is how Curry's off-ball movement and conditioning give him an edge even in stationary shooting contests - his muscle memory from sprinting around screens translates to remarkable consistency in the set shot format. My sources tell me he's been specifically practicing the corner threes and money ball racks that often decide these competitions.

Then there's Damian Lillard, who possesses what I consider the most fearless shooting mentality in the league. Having won the 2023 contest, he brings that champion's confidence that's so crucial in this format. I've watched him nail game-winners with defenders in his face, so the pressure of the spotlight seems to fuel rather than faze him. His range extends well beyond the arc - we're talking 30, 31 feet routinely - which means the contest's longer distance probably feels comfortable for him. Statistically, he made 37.1% of his threes last season, but that number doesn't capture his clutch factor or his ability to get scorching hot in bursts.

The dark horse that has me particularly excited is Tyrese Haliburton. At just 23, he's already developed one of the purest shooting strokes I've seen in years. What makes him dangerous is his unconventional but effective rhythm - he doesn't rush, but he doesn't waste motion either. Having watched him closely last season, I noticed he shot 40% from deep while taking nearly eight attempts per game, an impressive volume-efficiency combination that translates well to the contest's format. His rising star status means he'll have less pressure than the established veterans, which could work to his advantage.

Let's talk about the X-factor that often gets overlooked - the shooting racks. Having analyzed every contest since 2014, I've noticed that champions typically excel at the money ball rack placement strategy. Players who put their strongest shooting positions - usually the wings or top of the key - as their money ball racks tend to score higher. Curry famously places his money balls at the top, where he's shot 46.2% over his career, while Lillard prefers the left wing where he's consistently around 44%. This strategic element adds a fascinating layer beyond pure shooting ability.

The venue matters too. This year's contest in Indianapolis brings its own dynamics - the sightlines, the crowd energy, even the temperature on the court can affect shooting touch. I've spoken with past participants who mentioned how the depth perception in different arenas can throw off their rhythm initially. The players who adjust quickest during their practice sessions usually perform better when the lights come on.

My prediction? I'm leaning toward Curry reclaiming the throne, but it won't come easy. He's been laser-focused this season, and I've noticed extra work he's been putting in after practices specifically on contest-style shooting. However, Lillard's defending champion status gives him psychological edge, and Haliburton's home crowd advantage could propel him to upset territory. If I had to put numbers on it, I'd say Curry has about 38% chance of winning, Lillard 32%, Haliburton 18%, and the remaining 12% distributed among other participants.

What makes this particular contest compelling is how it mirrors the evolution we're seeing in actual games. The three-pointer has become the great equalizer, the weapon that can swing championships as we saw in last year's finals. When teams like Denver and Miami face off in decisive Game 3 situations, it's often the shooting performances that become legendary. That same pressure-cooker environment separates the contenders from the pretenders in the three-point contest. The players who thrive are those who can transport themselves to that mental space where it's just them, the ball, and the hoop - blocking out everything else.

Ultimately, the 2024 Three-Point Contest represents more than just an All-Star weekend exhibition. It's a celebration of shooting artistry, a testament to how fundamental skills can still captivate audiences in an era of highlight dunks and flashy passes. Having witnessed numerous contests throughout the years, what stays with me aren't just the winning scores, but the moments of pure shooting brilliance that remind us why we fell in love with this game. This year's competition promises to add another memorable chapter to that legacy, and I for one can't wait to see which shooter rises to the occasion when the bright lights come on.