NBA All-Star Weekend: Unveiling the Thrilling 3-Point Contest
The highly anticipated NBA All-Star Weekend is upon us, and one of the most captivating events on tap is the 3-Point Contest. This year’s competition promises to be both thrilling and unpredictable, as eight sharpshooters from across the league vie for the coveted title.
Reigning Champions and Serious Contenders
Reigning two-time 3-Point Contest champion Damian Lillard leads the charge, seeking to establish his dominance in the long-range shooting realm. However, he faces formidable competition from former winner Buddy Hield, who will undoubtedly be buoyed by the support of his hometown crowd in San Francisco.
Beyond these veteran shooters, there are several threats to their reign. Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers boasts an impressive 43% shooting accuracy from beyond the arc this season, making him the most precise marksman among this year’s participants. Norman Powell of the Portland Trail Blazers is hot on his heels with a shooting percentage of 42.6%.
Prize Pool and Money Balls
The prize money for the NBA 3-Point Contest is determined by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the National Basketball Players Association and the NBA. Here’s a breakdown:
- 1st Place: $100,000
- 2nd Place: $50,000
- 3rd Place: $30,000
- 4th Place: $20,000
- 5th-8th Place: $10,000
While the presence of special "money balls" adds a unique element to the competition, it’s important to note that they do not carry any additional cash prize value.
Participants and Format
This year’s tournament will showcase eight of the league’s most lethal sharpshooters:
- Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Buddy Hield (Golden State Warriors)
- Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers)
- Norman Powell (Portland Trail Blazers)
- Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
- Seth Curry (Philadelphia 76ers)
- Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)
- Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
The contest will follow a single-elimination format, with eight shooters competing in the first round. The top two shooters from each group will advance to the final round, where they will compete for the championship.
All-Star Weekend Extravaganza
The NBA 3-Point Contest is just one part of a three-event spectacular on Saturday night, leading up to the All-Star Game on Sunday. The Skills Challenge will kick off the event, followed by the 3-Point Contest and the electrifying Slam Dunk Contest.
The All-Star Game itself will feature three games, with Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Candace Parker, and Kenny Smith each drafting teams. The highlight of the weekend will be the championship game, a culmination of the epic All-Star Weekend festivities.
Where to Watch
Mark your calendars for the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 19th. The excitement starts with the Skills Challenge at 8:00 PM EST, followed by the 3-Point Contest at 9:00 PM EST and the Slam Dunk Contest at 10:00 PM EST. The All-Star Game itself will begin at 8:00 PM EST on Sunday.
You can catch all the action live on FuboTV, which offers a wide variety of sports and entertainment programming.
