NBA Three-Point Contest Records: High Scores, Rule Changes, and Legends

The **NBA Three-Point Contest** stands as a crown jewel of All-Star Saturday Night, captivating fans with its blend of precision, pressure, and the dazzling display of shooting prowess. In an era where the three-point shot has fundamentally reshaped basketball, this event offers a singular platform for the league's most elite sharpshooters to etch their names in history. From the pioneering days of its inception to the modern era of explosive scoring, the contest has continually evolved, producing iconic moments and setting new **Three-Point Contest records** that inspire awe and debate. This comprehensive look will explore the rich history of the **NBA Three-Point Contest**, delving into its significant rule changes, the remarkable **Three-Point Contest high scores** achieved, and the legends who have mastered the art of the long-range shot.

The Evolution of the Three-Point Contest: From Inception to Modern Era

The **NBA Three-Point Contest** first graced the All-Star stage in 1986, instantly becoming a fan favorite. The inaugural event was famously won by Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, who would go on to dominate the contest's early years. Bird's unparalleled precision and competitive fire saw him claim the first three titles, setting a formidable benchmark for future contestants. His reign was eventually broken by Dale Ellis of the Seattle SuperSonics in 1989, marking a shift in the contest's early landscape. Since its introduction, the event has been a cornerstone of All-Star Weekend, missing only one year in 1999 due to the NBA lockout. While typically featuring eight participants, the numbers have varied, with six players competing in 2003 and 2013, and a larger field of ten in 2019, when Joe Harris of the Brooklyn Nets claimed the trophy. The enduring presence and adaptability of the contest underscore its importance in celebrating the ever-growing significance of the three-point shot in professional basketball. As the league's offensive strategies lean increasingly on outside shooting, the **NBA Three-Point Contest** serves as a thrilling showcase of this fundamental skill.

Rule Changes That Revolutionized Scoring

While the core premise of shooting from five designated spots around the arc has remained, the **NBA Three-Point Contest** has undergone strategic rule adjustments that have dramatically impacted **Three-Point Contest high scores** and the maximum possible points achievable. Initially, the format involved five racks, each containing five basketballs, with the last ball on each rack designated as a "money ball" worth two points. This meant a perfect round was worth 30 points. However, the league introduced significant innovations to elevate the excitement and challenge:

2014: The Money Ball Rack
This pivotal change allowed contestants to designate one of their five racks as a "money ball rack," where all five balls were worth two points. This strategic element added a layer of decision-making, as players could choose to place this high-value rack at their strongest shooting spot or save it for later to build momentum. It increased the total potential score in a round and intensified the pressure on each shot.
2020: The "Starry" Deep Shots
Further amplifying the scoring potential, two additional shots were introduced from deeper positions on the top of both sides of the key. These "Starry" shots (named after the sponsor) are positioned further beyond the traditional three-point line and are worth three points each if made. This addition brought the maximum possible score in a single round from 30 to a staggering 40 points, fundamentally altering the landscape for **Three-Point Contest records**.

These rule changes have undeniably made comparisons between eras more complex, as current shooters operate under a different scoring system. However, they have also injected unprecedented excitement and a higher stakes environment, allowing modern sharpshooters to push the boundaries of what's possible in a single round. The evolution of the rules mirrors the NBA's own offensive transformation, celebrating the long-range shot with increasing fervor.

Setting the Bar: Unforgettable High Scores and Record Holders

The evolving rules have paved the way for unprecedented scoring explosions, pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a great performance in the **NBA Three-Point Contest**. When discussing **Three-Point Contest records**, two distinct categories emerge: highest single-round scores (incorporating all rule changes) and highest final-round scores. The current record for the most points ever scored in a single round is a remarkable 31 points, a mark that has been achieved by three sensational shooters:

Stephen Curry (2021): The undisputed greatest three-point shooter in NBA history, Curry delivered a performance for the ages in 2021. Facing Mike Conley Jr. in a thrilling final, Curry's precision and rhythm were on full display as he dropped an astounding 31 points, setting a new benchmark in the updated scoring format.
Tyrese Haliburton (2023): The Pacers' dynamic guard matched Curry's impressive feat, demonstrating his emergence as one of the league's premier young talents with a 31-point outburst.
Buddy Hield (TBD year in context, but known for high scores): Hield, a renowned sniper, also joined this elite group, tying the 31-point record with a flawless display of shooting.

Prior to the introduction of the deeper three-point shots, the maximum score was 30 points. While not officially breaking the new 31-point threshold, Devin Booker provided a clinic in a first-round performance, achieving an impressive 30 points, showcasing near-perfection under the rules of his time. In terms of final-round records within the older scoring format, **Stephen Curry's** 27 points in 2015 against Kyrie Irving and his "Splash Brother" Klay Thompson set a new high. This record was later tied by Thompson himself in 2016 when he claimed the crown, further cementing the duo's legacy as one of the most formidable shooting pairs in NBA history. These performances underline the immense pressure and skill required to deliver at the highest level, particularly in the championship round.

Legends of the Arc: Multi-Time Champions and Iconic Moments

The allure of the **NBA Three-Point Contest** isn't just in the numbers; it's in the legends who've graced its stage and the unforgettable moments they've created. * Larry Bird: The Inaugural King
As the first winner in 1986, **Larry Bird** immediately stamped his authority on the contest. His historic three-peat from 1986-1988 remains one of the most iconic achievements. The 1988 contest is particularly legendary; Bird famously kept his warm-up jacket on throughout, exuding an unmatched confidence. Nearly missing his third title, he drilled every shot in his fourth rack in the final round, then drained the last three balls to narrowly defeat Dale Ellis. His final shot, a swish, was met with Bird holding his hand up in the air before the ball even dropped through the net, a testament to his self-assured mastery. * Craig Hodges: Matching the Three-Peat
Following Bird's dominance, Chicago Bulls guard Craig Hodges also achieved a historic three-peat, matching Bird's accomplishment with wins from 1990-1992. Hodges' incredible consistency and pure shooting stroke solidified his place among the contest's all-time greats, further cementing the challenge of winning multiple titles. * Stephen Curry: The Modern Maestro
Widely regarded as the NBA's greatest three-point shooter, **Stephen Curry** has claimed the **NBA Three-Point Contest** title twice. His first victory came in 2015, where he outdueled Kyrie Irving and his Golden State Warriors teammate, Klay Thompson. His second triumph in 2021, highlighted by his record-setting 31-point round, further solidified his status as the premier long-range threat. Curry's influence extends far beyond the contest, as he has single-handedly revolutionized the game with his incredible range and volume of three-point shooting. * Damian Lillard: The Triple Crown Achiever
In a recent and heartwarming comeback story, Trail Blazers star **Damian Lillard** secured his third career **NBA Three-Point Contest** title, triumphing over formidable opponents like Suns star Devin Booker and Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel in a thrilling final. This victory was particularly poignant as Lillard was still recovering from a torn Achilles, showcasing his resilience and dedication. With this win, Lillard joined the exclusive company of **Larry Bird** and Craig Hodges as the only players to win the contest three times, tying the all-time record. For more on Lillard's journey and his place among the all-time greats, read Damian Lillard's Triple Crown: All-Time NBA Three-Point Contest Winners. Other notable recent winners include Tyler Herro, who also demonstrated exceptional shooting touch to claim the trophy. To delve deeper into the pantheon of winners and their groundbreaking performances, explore our article on NBA Three-Point Contest: Full History, Winners, and Record-Breaking Moments.

Beyond the Scores: The Contest's Enduring Appeal

The **NBA Three-Point Contest** is more than just a shooting exhibition; it's a testament to focus, rhythm, and nerves under pressure. Each shot carries weight, and the ebb and flow of a contestant's performance—from a hot streak to a cold spell—adds immense drama. It highlights the specialized skill set required for elite three-point shooting, a skill that has become increasingly vital in the modern NBA. The contest provides a unique opportunity for players, often overshadowed by highlight dunks or elaborate passes, to shine a spotlight on their fundamental shooting artistry. It’s a pure, unadulterated showcase of marksmanship that connects generations of basketball fans, consistently delivering memorable moments and celebrating the timeless beauty of a perfectly executed jump shot.

Conclusion

The **NBA Three-Point Contest** has journeyed from its humble beginnings with Larry Bird's dominant three-peat to a modern spectacle driven by evolving rules and record-breaking scores. It remains a vibrant and essential component of All-Star Saturday Night, celebrated for its ability to showcase the pinnacle of long-range shooting. Through rule changes introducing money ball racks and deeper three-point shots, the contest has adapted, pushing **Three-Point Contest high scores** to new heights and creating an even more thrilling experience for fans. As legends like **Stephen Curry** and **Damian Lillard** continue to redefine what's possible, the contest's legacy only grows, promising more drama, more records, and more iconic moments for years to come.