Who Has Scored the Most Points in NBA 3-Point Contest History?

As I sat watching the All-Star weekend festivities unfold, my mind drifted to one of my favorite annual events—the three-point contest. There's something magical about watching the game's best shooters line up around the arc, the rhythmic swish of nets filling the arena. This year's competition had me wondering: who has scored the most points in NBA 3-Point Contest history?

Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've developed a particular fondness for shooters. There's an artistry to their craft that differs from the thunderous dunks or flashy crossovers. The three-point contest represents the purest form of this skill—no defenders, just shooter against basket, with the pressure of millions watching. I remember watching Larry Bird dominate these competitions back in the day, his confidence bordering on arrogance as he'd stroll to the final rack without even needing to take his last shots. That swagger defined an era of shooting that has since evolved dramatically.

The record for most points in a single round belongs to Stephen Curry, who put up an incredible 31 points in the 2021 contest. What made this performance particularly remarkable was that he achieved this under the current format, which includes two "Starry" balls worth three points each placed at the shooter's choice of positions. Curry's performance edged out the previous record of 28 points set by Devin Booker in 2018. But here's where it gets interesting—if we're talking about the old format, the highest score belongs to Craig Hodges, who tallied 25 points back in 1991 when the competition was significantly different. This distinction matters because comparing scores across different eras and formats becomes tricky—it's like comparing apples and oranges, though both are undoubtedly impressive fruits of shooting excellence.

What fascinates me about these shooting exhibitions is how they reflect the evolution of the game itself. When the three-point contest began in 1986, it was almost a novelty act. Today, it's become a central showcase because the three-pointer has fundamentally changed how basketball is played at every level. The shooting revolution has transformed roster construction, offensive schemes, and even how we evaluate talent. Personally, I believe Curry's record will stand for quite some time—the combination of skill, pressure, and format makes 31 points nearly perfect. Though I must admit, I'm holding out hope that someone like Damian Lillard or Trae Young might challenge it someday, as both possess that special combination of range and flair that makes for memorable shooting performances.

The importance of shooting proficiency extends beyond All-Star weekend spectacles, becoming particularly crucial when teams face roster challenges. Consider the situation with TNT in the Philippine Basketball Association, where Reyes skipping the game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum also comes with the possibility of TNT playing without injured big man Kelly Williams due to a sprained ankle and shooting guard Roger Pogoy (hamstring). When teams lose key players, reliable three-point shooting often becomes the great equalizer—the strategic counterbalance to depleted rosters. This principle holds true whether we're discussing the NBA or international competitions. Teams that can consistently knock down outside shots maintain offensive spacing and scoring threats even when missing interior presence or primary creators.

Reflecting on the greatest shooters in contest history, names like Curry, Ray Allen, and Klay Thompson immediately come to mind. But my personal favorite remains Reggie Miller, whose unorthodox form and clutch performances defined an era. I'll never forget his 1995 contest victory, where his high-release point and quick trigger seemed almost revolutionary at the time. Today, every team seeks players who can replicate that kind of shooting prowess, recognizing how a single hot shooter can warp defenses and create opportunities elsewhere. The statistical revolution in basketball has only amplified this truth, with analytics departments constantly searching for the next great shooter through advanced metrics that measure efficiency from every spot beyond the arc.

The three-point contest has given us countless memorable moments beyond just the record scores. Who could forget Jason Kapono's back-to-back victories in 2007-2008, or the emotional 2022 win by Karl-Anthony Towns, who became the first big man to win since Kevin Love in 2012? These victories underscore how shooting has become democratized across positions—no longer the exclusive domain of guards. As someone who played power forward in high school, I particularly appreciate seeing players like Towns succeed, proving that shooting touch knows no height restrictions.

Looking ahead, I'm convinced we'll continue seeing evolution in both the contest format and shooting techniques. The NBA has already introduced the "MTN DEW Zone" with special green balls, and I wouldn't be surprised if future iterations include deeper shooting positions or timed elements. The fundamental question of who has scored the most points in NBA 3-Point Contest history might have different answers in coming years as the competition continues adapting. But for now, Curry's 31-point masterpiece stands as the pinnacle of shooting excellence—a perfect storm of skill, confidence, and showmanship that encapsulates why we love this competition so much. Records exist to be broken, but some performances feel timeless, and Curry's 2021 showing certainly qualifies. It's the kind of shooting exhibition that future generations will watch highlights of, the same way I still watch Bird and Miller's legendary performances.