The NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest is always a fan favorite, showcasing the league's best shooters in a thrilling display of skill and accuracy. The 2021 edition, held during the All-Star Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, was no exception. This contest featured some of the biggest names in the game, all vying for the coveted title of 3-Point Champion. Let's dive into the details of the competition, relive the highlights, and see who emerged victorious.

The Setup

Before we get into the action, let's quickly recap the rules and format of the contest. The 3-Point Contest typically involves five shooting stations positioned around the three-point arc. Each station has five basketballs: four worth one point each and one "money ball" worth two points. Shooters have 70 seconds to shoot all 25 balls, aiming to accumulate the highest possible score. In recent years, the NBA has added two "deep" shots from further beyond the arc, adding another layer of challenge and excitement. The players with the top three scores from the first round advance to the final round, where they battle it out for the championship. The contest is a true test of a player's shooting prowess under pressure, demanding not only accuracy but also speed and consistency. The allure of the contest lies in its simplicity – it's all about making shots – yet the pressure and intensity create a captivating spectacle for viewers. For players, it's a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage and cement their reputation as elite shooters. The 3-Point Contest is more than just a side event during All-Star Weekend; it's a celebration of the art of shooting, a fundamental skill that defines much of modern basketball. It brings together the league’s sharpest marksmen in a thrilling competition that keeps fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, the contest highlights the dedication and practice that goes into becoming a top-tier shooter in the NBA, making it a truly special event.

The Participants

The 2021 contest featured a stellar lineup of sharpshooters, each bringing their unique skills and reputation to the competition. The participants included:

• Stephen Curry: Widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters of all time, Curry's presence immediately made him the favorite. His incredible range, quick release, and unparalleled accuracy have revolutionized the game. Everyone was eager to see if he could add another 3-Point Contest title to his already impressive resume.
• Donovan Mitchell: Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Mitchell also boasts a reliable three-point shot. While not primarily a shooter, his inclusion added an element of surprise, as he is capable of getting hot from beyond the arc.
• Jayson Tatum: A rising star in the league, Tatum has developed into a complete offensive player, with a smooth and consistent three-point shot. His participation marked his growing status as one of the NBA's elite talents. His presence in the contest was a testament to his hard work and dedication to improving his shooting.
• Zach LaVine: An athletic marvel and high-flying dunker, LaVine has also honed his shooting skills, becoming a legitimate threat from three-point range. His participation added another layer of excitement, as fans knew he was capable of putting on a show.
• Devin Booker: A pure scorer with a knack for getting buckets, Booker's silky-smooth shooting stroke made him a formidable contender. He had previously participated in the contest, giving him valuable experience and familiarity with the format.
• Jaylen Brown: An athletic wing with a rapidly improving offensive game, Brown's inclusion highlighted his development as a complete player. His participation was a nod to his hard work and commitment to expanding his skillset. Each player brought their unique strengths to the competition, promising a thrilling and unpredictable contest.

Round 1: The Heat Begins

The first round of the 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest was filled with excitement and a few surprises. Each participant had 70 seconds to navigate the five shooting stations and rack up as many points as possible. The pressure was on from the start, as the players aimed to secure a spot in the final round. Stephen Curry lived up to the hype, showcasing his incredible range and accuracy. He navigated the course with ease, sinking shot after shot and posting a high score that set the standard for the rest of the field. His performance was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest shooters of all time, as he made the challenging shots look effortless. Donovan Mitchell started strong, but a few missed shots slowed his momentum. While he displayed his shooting ability, he couldn't quite match the pace and precision of the top contenders. Jayson Tatum demonstrated his smooth shooting stroke, but consistency proved to be a challenge. He had moments of brilliance, but a few cold streaks prevented him from reaching the top three. Zach LaVine brought his athleticism and scoring prowess to the contest, but his shooting rhythm wasn't quite there. He struggled to find his groove, resulting in a score that fell short of expectations. Devin Booker, with his silky-smooth shooting stroke, delivered a solid performance. His experience in previous contests showed, as he navigated the course efficiently and accurately. Jaylen Brown, known for his rapidly improving offensive game, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately couldn't maintain the consistency needed to advance. As the round progressed, the tension in the arena was palpable. Each player felt the pressure to perform, knowing that a single missed shot could mean the difference between advancing and going home. The crowd roared with excitement as the players sunk shots, creating an electric atmosphere. Ultimately, the first round separated the contenders from the pretenders, setting the stage for a thrilling final.

The Final Round: Curry vs. Conley vs. Tatum

The final round of the 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest was an intense battle between Stephen Curry, Mike Conley, and Jayson Tatum. Each player had earned their spot in the final by showcasing their exceptional shooting skills in the first round. The pressure was immense, as they vied for the coveted title of 3-Point Champion. Jayson Tatum was the first to step up, hoping to improve upon his performance in the first round. He started strong, sinking several shots in a row, but a few misses in the middle of the round slowed his momentum. Despite his best efforts, he finished with a respectable but not championship-worthy score. Next up was Mike Conley, a seasoned veteran known for his consistent shooting. He navigated the course with a steady hand, sinking shot after shot and putting up a score that put the pressure on Curry. His performance was a testament to his years of experience and dedication to honing his shooting skills. Finally, it was Stephen Curry's turn. The crowd was on its feet, anticipating a performance that would cement his status as one of the greatest shooters of all time. He didn't disappoint. With his signature quick release and incredible accuracy, Curry blazed through the course, sinking shots from all angles. The tension in the arena was palpable as he approached the final station. With just seconds left on the clock, Curry needed to make his final shot to win. He lined it up, released the ball, and watched as it sailed through the net. The crowd erupted in cheers as Curry clinched the victory, adding another 3-Point Contest title to his already impressive resume. His performance was a masterclass in shooting under pressure, showcasing his unparalleled skill and composure. The final round was a thrilling conclusion to a captivating contest, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of the NBA's best shooters.

The Winner: Stephen Curry Claims Victory

Stephen Curry emerged as the champion of the 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest shooters in basketball history. His performance throughout the competition was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his incredible range, accuracy, and composure under pressure. In the final round, Curry faced tough competition from Mike Conley and Jayson Tatum, but he remained unfazed, delivering a clutch performance that sealed the victory. His ability to sink shots from all angles, coupled with his lightning-quick release, made him virtually unstoppable. The crowd erupted in cheers as Curry clinched the win, celebrating his remarkable achievement. This victory marked Curry's second 3-Point Contest title, adding to his already impressive list of accolades. It was a testament to his hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to honing his craft. Curry's impact on the game of basketball is undeniable, as he has revolutionized the way the sport is played with his incredible shooting prowess. His ability to consistently make shots from beyond the arc has inspired countless players to expand their range and develop their shooting skills. Curry's influence extends beyond the court, as he serves as a role model for aspiring athletes around the world. His humility, work ethic, and passion for the game have made him a beloved figure both on and off the court. Winning the 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest was not just a personal achievement for Curry, but also a celebration of his impact on the game of basketball. It was a moment that will be remembered for years to come, as fans witnessed the greatness of one of the sport's all-time legends.

Highlights and Memorable Moments

The 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest was filled with memorable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the highlights:

• Stephen Curry's Dominance: Curry's incredible shooting display in both rounds was a sight to behold. His ability to make shots from anywhere on the court, coupled with his lightning-quick release, left fans and fellow players in awe. Each time he stepped up to the shooting rack, you knew something special was about to happen, his presence was captivating.
• Mike Conley's Surprise Appearance: Conley's late addition to the contest, replacing Devin Booker, proved to be a stroke of good fortune. He showcased his consistent shooting stroke, making a strong run to the final round and giving Curry a run for his money.
• Jayson Tatum's Steady Performance: Tatum, a rising star in the league, demonstrated his shooting prowess and composure under pressure. While he didn't win, his performance was a testament to his growth as a player and his potential for future success.
• Zach LaVine's Athleticism: LaVine, known for his high-flying dunks, showed that he's more than just an athlete. His participation added excitement to the contest, and while he didn't advance to the final round, he proved that he can hold his own against the league's best shooters.
• The Electric Atmosphere: The energy in the arena was palpable throughout the contest. The crowd roared with excitement as the players sunk shots, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. It was a celebration of the game of basketball and the incredible talent of the NBA's best shooters.

Conclusion

The 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible shooting talent of the league's best marksmen. Stephen Curry's victory was a fitting end to a thrilling competition, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest shooters of all time. The contest was filled with memorable moments, showcasing the skill, dedication, and passion of the players involved. From Curry's dominance to Conley's surprise appearance and Tatum's steady performance, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The electric atmosphere in the arena added to the excitement, creating an unforgettable experience for fans and players alike. As the final shots were made and the confetti rained down, it was clear that the 2021 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest would be remembered as one of the best in recent memory. It was a celebration of the art of shooting, a fundamental skill that defines much of modern basketball. The contest brought together the league's sharpest marksmen in a thrilling competition that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, the 3-Point Contest highlights the dedication and practice that goes into becoming a top-tier shooter in the NBA, making it a truly special event. The players showcased their incredible skills, entertaining fans around the world and leaving a lasting impression on the game of basketball. The 2021 contest will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of All-Star Weekend, a testament to the enduring appeal of the 3-Point Contest and the incredible talent of the NBA's best shooters.