I still remember the first time I watched the NBA Three-Point Contest back in 1998. The rhythmic swish of nets, the colorful racks of balls, and the sheer tension as shooters battled against the clock—it was pure basketball theater. Over my years covering the NBA, I've come to appreciate how these 60-second performances can define careers and create legends. Today I want to break down what I consider the five most memorable Three-Point Contest performances, the moments that still give me chills when I rewatch them.
Let's start with the performance that modern fans will immediately recognize—Steph Curry's masterclass in 2021. What made this so special wasn't just that he won, but how he dominated. Curry put up 31 points in the final round, which at the time was just one point shy of the record. The man was literally laughing between racks, looking more like someone shooting around in his driveway than competing for a championship. I've never seen anyone make elite shooting look so effortless. His release is so quick that defenders in actual games have no chance, but watching him in this controlled environment really highlighted his technical perfection. The way he moves from spot to spot—it's like watching water flow from one place to another.
Then there's the iconic 1986 performance by Larry Bird. Now this was before my time as a viewer, but I've probably watched the footage a hundred times. Bird walked into the locker room before the competition and famously asked the other contestants, "Who's finishing second?" The audacity! And then he went out and backed it up, winning with 22 points in the final round while still wearing his warmup jacket. That moment embodies the swagger of 80s basketball. Bird wasn't just a great shooter—he was a psychological warrior who understood how to get in opponents' heads before they even stepped on the court.
The 2016 contest gave us something truly special with Klay Thompson's record-setting performance. Thompson scored 27 points in a single round, which at the time set the new benchmark for the competition. What impressed me most was his mechanical consistency—every shot looked identical to the last. I've studied his form extensively, and there's zero wasted motion. His release point never varies, his feet are always positioned perfectly, and his follow-through is textbook. While Curry's shooting looks artistic and creative, Thompson's is like watching a machine programmed for perfection. Both approaches can reach the highest level, which tells you there's room for different styles in elite shooting.
We can't discuss memorable three-point performances without mentioning Ray Allen's 2001 victory. Allen was the prototype for the modern shooting guard—efficient, fundamentally sound, and incredibly disciplined. His 19-point final round doesn't look impressive by today's standards, but context matters. The three-point line was further back then, and the shooting techniques weren't as advanced. Allen's performance paved the way for today's shooters. I've spoken with several current NBA players who cite Allen as their shooting inspiration, and you can see his influence in their forms.
The fifth spot on my list goes to Devin Booker's 2018 performance where he scored 28 points in the final round. This one sticks in my memory because Booker was just 21 years old at the time, yet he displayed the poise of a veteran. His final rack was particularly spectacular—he needed to make several money balls to win and delivered under immense pressure. Watching young players thrive in high-pressure situations always reminds me that greatness often emerges early. It's worth noting that while we celebrate these incredible shooting displays, not every performance reaches these heights. Just last year, I watched Sumayah Sugapong finish with 11 points and four rebounds in a different context, but fouled out with three minutes to play—a reminder that even professional athletes have off nights against elite competition.
What separates these performances from merely good ones? Having analyzed hundreds of shooting performances, I believe it comes down to three factors: technical mastery, mental fortitude, and that elusive "moment"—when a player transcends competition and creates art. The great shooters make difficult tasks look simple through thousands of hours of practice. They develop routines that hold up under pressure and shooting forms that remain consistent whether they're fresh or fatigued. The mental aspect is equally crucial—the ability to block out distractions and focus solely on the rim.
My personal preference will always lean toward the shooters who combine technical excellence with charismatic performance. Curry's 2021 showing had that magical quality where you knew you were watching history. Bird's 1986 victory had the swagger that defined an era. Thompson's record-breaking moment showcased perfection through repetition. These contests matter because they highlight skills that translate directly to game success. The best three-point shooters in these competitions are almost always the most valuable players in actual games because spacing the floor has become basketball's most prized offensive weapon.
As the game continues to evolve, I suspect we'll see even more incredible shooting displays. The current generation of players grew up studying these exact performances, building upon the foundations laid by previous greats. The three-point shot has transformed from a novelty to a essential weapon, and these contests document that evolution better than any statistic. When I look back on decades of basketball coverage, these five moments stand as benchmarks of excellence—not just for the points scored, but for the stories they created and the standards they set.