The NBA 3-Point Contest is always a fan favorite during All-Star Weekend, and the 2024 edition definitely didn't disappoint. In this article, we'll dive into everything you need to know about the contest, including the participants, the rules, the exciting moments, and of course, the final results. If you're an NBA enthusiast or simply love watching some amazing shooting displays, then keep reading to relive all the action from the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest.

Contest Participants

The lineup for the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest was packed with some of the league's most prolific shooters. Each player brought their unique style and skill to the court, making for an incredibly competitive event. Here’s a look at the participants who battled it out for the coveted title:

• Malik Beasley (Milwaukee Bucks): Known for his quick release and impressive accuracy, Malik was looking to make a splash in his first 3-Point Contest appearance.
• Trae Young (Atlanta Hawks): With his deep range and clutch performances, Trae was definitely a contender to watch out for. His ability to hit from well beyond the arc always keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
• Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers): The defending champion, Damian, came into the contest with the pressure to repeat. His reputation as one of the best shooters in the game preceded him.
• Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz): At 7 feet tall, Lauri brings a unique combination of size and shooting ability. His consistent performance throughout the season made him a formidable competitor.
• Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers): Making his return to the contest, Donovan was eager to showcase his improved shooting skills and compete for the championship.
• Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers): Known for his all-around game and impressive shooting stats, Tyrese was looking to prove himself as one of the league’s elite shooters.
• Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers): A sharpshooter with a lightning-fast release, Buddy was a threat to catch fire and put up a high score in a hurry.
• Kevin Huerter (Sacramento Kings): Kevin’s smooth shooting stroke and consistency made him a dark horse in the competition. He aimed to surprise everyone with a strong performance.

These participants brought a mix of experience, skill, and determination to the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest, promising an exciting showdown for fans worldwide. Each player had their own reasons for wanting to win, whether it was to solidify their reputation, prove their shooting prowess, or simply add another accolade to their career. With such a talented field, the contest was sure to deliver some unforgettable moments and highlight the incredible shooting talent in the NBA.

Contest Rules

The NBA 3-Point Contest has specific rules designed to test the shooters' accuracy and consistency under pressure. Understanding these rules can enhance your appreciation for the skills on display. Here’s a breakdown of how the contest works:

1. Rounds: The contest consists of two rounds – the first round and the final round. The top three players from the first round advance to the final round.
2. Time Limit: Each player has 70 seconds to shoot as many shots as possible.
3. Ball Placement: There are five racks of balls positioned around the 3-point arc. Four racks contain four standard NBA game balls (worth 1 point each), and one rack contains five money balls (worth 2 points each).
4. Money Ball Rack: Each player can choose where to place the money ball rack. Strategic placement can significantly impact their score.
5. Distance: The shots are taken from five spots around the 3-point line, maintaining the standard NBA 3-point distance.
6. Bonus Balls: In addition to the regular racks, there are two "deep" 3-point shots located further away from the basket on either side of the key. These shots are worth 3 points each and add an extra layer of challenge to the contest.
7. Scoring: The maximum possible score in a round is 40 points (25 standard balls x 1 point + 5 money balls x 2 points + 2 deep balls x 3 points).
8. Tie-Breaker: If there’s a tie for the final qualifying spot or for the championship, a tie-breaker round is held. In the tie-breaker, players shoot until the tie is broken.

These rules ensure that the contest tests a player's shooting skills comprehensively, requiring accuracy, speed, and strategic thinking. The addition of money balls and deep 3-point shots adds an element of risk and reward, making the competition even more exciting. As the players navigate these rules, fans are treated to a thrilling display of shooting prowess and strategic decision-making.

Exciting Moments

The 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest was filled with unforgettable moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. From surprising performances to clutch shots, the contest provided plenty of highlights. Here are some of the most exciting moments that stood out:

• Malik Beasley's Hot Start: In his first appearance, Malik came out firing, hitting his first several shots and setting a high bar for the rest of the competition. His confidence and smooth release impressed the crowd, making him an instant fan favorite.
• Trae Young's Deep Bombs: Known for his ability to shoot from well beyond the arc, Trae didn't disappoint. He hit multiple deep 3-pointers, showcasing his incredible range and adding an element of excitement to the contest.
• Damian Lillard's Clutch Performance: As the defending champion, Damian faced immense pressure. However, he delivered a clutch performance in the final round, hitting crucial shots when it mattered most. His composure and skill under pressure were truly remarkable.
• Lauri Markkanen's Consistency: Lauri impressed with his consistent shooting throughout the contest. His ability to maintain his accuracy and rhythm made him a strong contender and kept him in the hunt for the championship.
• Donovan Mitchell's Redemption: After a previous disappointing showing in the contest, Donovan came back with a vengeance. He displayed improved shooting mechanics and a renewed focus, proving his growth as a shooter.
• Tyrese Haliburton's Smooth Stroke: Tyrese’s effortless shooting stroke was a sight to behold. He made several impressive runs, showcasing his natural talent and smooth release. His performance solidified his reputation as one of the league’s rising stars.
• Buddy Hield's Quick Release: Buddy lived up to his reputation as a sharpshooter with a lightning-fast release. He fired off shots in rapid succession, keeping the crowd energized and demonstrating his incredible shooting speed.
• Kevin Huerter's Surprise Run: Kevin emerged as a dark horse in the contest, surprising many with his strong performance. His consistent shooting and calm demeanor allowed him to advance further than expected, earning him recognition as a player to watch.

These moments highlighted the incredible skill and competitive spirit of the participants, making the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest a truly memorable event. The combination of surprise performances, clutch shots, and displays of exceptional talent created a thrilling experience for fans around the world. Each player brought their A-game, contributing to the excitement and showcasing the best of NBA shooting prowess.

Final Results

After all the excitement and intense competition, the final results of the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest were highly anticipated. The top three shooters from the first round advanced to the final round to battle it out for the championship. Here’s how it all unfolded:

In the first round, several players put up impressive scores, but only three could advance. The top three shooters who made it to the final round were:

1. Trae Young: With a score of 28, Trae demonstrated his long-range accuracy and secured his spot in the final round.
2. Damian Lillard: The defending champion scored 26, showing his composure and skill under pressure.
3. Buddy Hield: Buddy's quick release and consistent shooting earned him a score of 25, allowing him to advance.

In the final round, the three remaining players gave it their all, each vying for the coveted title. After a series of clutch shots and nail-biting moments, the winner was crowned:

Damian Lillard emerged as the champion of the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest, successfully defending his title with a final round score of 27. His ability to perform under pressure and hit crucial shots when it mattered most set him apart from the competition. Lillard's victory cemented his reputation as one of the NBA's premier shooters and marked another impressive achievement in his career.

The final results highlighted the incredible talent and competitive spirit of all the participants. While only one could emerge as the champion, each player contributed to the excitement and made the 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest a memorable event for fans around the world. The combination of skill, strategy, and determination made for a thrilling competition that showcased the best of NBA shooting prowess.

Conclusion

The 2024 NBA 3-Point Contest was a thrilling event filled with unforgettable moments and exceptional displays of shooting talent. From the impressive lineup of participants to the exciting highlights and the intense final round, the contest provided plenty of entertainment for fans worldwide. Damian Lillard's victory as the defending champion capped off an incredible night and solidified his place among the NBA's elite shooters.

Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or simply enjoy watching incredible feats of athleticism, the NBA 3-Point Contest is always a highlight of All-Star Weekend. The combination of skill, strategy, and competitive spirit makes it a must-watch event that showcases the best of what the NBA has to offer. As we look forward to future contests, the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most exciting and memorable in recent history. So, here's to more thrilling moments and amazing shots in the years to come!