As I sit here watching the Golden State Warriors practice their three-point shots, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the NBA has transformed over the past decade. The three-point line, once considered a novelty, has become the great equalizer in modern basketball. With the 2024 NBA Three-Point Contest just around the corner, I find myself thinking back to that incredible championship-deciding Game 3 between the Warriors and Celtics where Steph Curry's shooting clinic reminded everyone why he's the greatest shooter of all time. Will we see another chapter of that same story unfold in this year's contest? Having covered the NBA for over fifteen years, I've witnessed firsthand how this competition has evolved from a sideshow attraction to one of All-Star Weekend's main events.
The landscape of three-point shooting has fundamentally shifted, and nowhere was this more evident than in that fateful Game 3 where Curry and Jayson Tatum traded three-pointers like heavyweight boxers exchanging blows. That game wasn't just about winning a championship—it was a statement about where basketball is heading. When we talk about potential dominators for the 2024 contest, we have to start with Stephen Curry, who at 35 continues to defy conventional wisdom about shooting longevity. His career three-point percentage hovers around 42.8%, but what truly sets him apart is his ability to create and make shots under pressure, often from well beyond the arc. I've charted his shooting for years, and his release speed has actually improved, now clocking in at approximately 0.33 seconds from catch to release. That's faster than the blink of an eye, literally.
Then there's the younger generation, led by players like Tyrese Haliburton, who's been shooting at a blistering 40.2% from deep this season while averaging nearly four made threes per game. Having watched Haliburton develop since his rookie year, I'm convinced he possesses the perfect combination of confidence and technique for this specific competition. His shooting form is textbook perfect, but what really stands out to me is his rhythm—he never seems rushed, even with the clock ticking down. I remember analyzing his shot chart from a game against Miami last month where he went 8-for-11 from three-point range, with several of those makes coming from well beyond the contest's traditional "money ball" spots.
Damian Lillard represents another fascinating contender, especially considering his performance in last year's contest where he put up 26 points in the final round. Lillard's range is virtually unlimited—I've seen him consistently make shots from 30 feet out during warmups with what appears to be minimal effort. His mentality in these pressure situations reminds me of Curry's approach in that championship Game 3—both possess that rare combination of technical precision and sheer audacity. Statistics show Lillard converts approximately 38.4% of his "deep threes" (shots from 28 feet or beyond), which gives him a significant advantage in a contest that increasingly rewards distance shooting.
What many casual fans don't realize is how much the three-point contest has evolved strategically. Players now approach it with the same seriousness as an actual game, studying the rack placements, developing specific breathing techniques, and even practicing with specialized equipment. I spoke with several participants from last year's contest who revealed they spend up to 15 hours per week specifically practicing the contest format during the month leading up to All-Star Weekend. This professionalization of what was once considered a lighthearted exhibition speaks volumes about how seriously today's players take their craft.
My dark horse pick is Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies, who's been quietly establishing himself as one of the league's most consistent shooters. Bane is shooting a remarkable 44.3% from three-point range this season, and having watched him develop his game, I'm impressed by his mechanical consistency. His release point varies by less than two inches shot after shot, according to tracking data I've reviewed. While he might not have the name recognition of some other contestants, his fundamental soundness makes him a legitimate threat to upset the established order.
The psychological component cannot be overstated. Having interviewed past winners, I've learned that the mental approach separates champions from participants. The pressure of shooting in front of a packed arena with millions watching on television creates a unique challenge that doesn't exist during regular season games. Ray Allen once told me that he treated each rack in the contest as a separate mini-game, completely divorcing his performance on one from the others. This mental compartmentalization is crucial when you consider that the difference between winning and losing often comes down to a single shot.
Looking ahead to the 2024 contest, I'm particularly intrigued by the potential matchup between the established veterans and the rising stars. The narrative of experienced shooters like Curry and Lillard defending their territory against hungry newcomers like Haliburton creates a compelling dynamic that mirrors the larger evolution happening across the NBA. While statistics and shooting forms provide valuable indicators, ultimately this competition will come down to who can harness the pressure and deliver when every shot matters. Based on what I've observed this season and throughout my career covering the league, I'm leaning toward Stephen Curry adding another three-point contest trophy to his collection, but I wouldn't be surprised if Tyrese Haliburton announces his arrival as the next great shooter. Whatever happens, the 2024 Three-Point Contest promises to continue the league's evolving relationship with the three-point shot—a relationship that games like that memorable Warriors-Celtics Game 3 helped define for a generation.