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Southern California will glow with sharpshooters as NBA All-Star Weekend arrives, and the 3-Point Contest promises fireworks. The lineup mixes proven veterans, repeat winners and a surprise entrant who has not played this season. One popular defender of the crown won’t be here, but the field still offers plenty of intrigue for anyone who loves long-range shooting.
Who’s taking aim in the 2026 NBA 3-Point Contest
- Devin Booker — Phoenix Suns | 3P: 31.1% | Reliable clutch shooter and former contest champion.
- Kon Knueppel — Charlotte Hornets | 3P: 43.1% | Rookie standout with an efficient season from deep.
- Damian Lillard — Portland Trail Blazers | 3P: N/A | Past winner making a surprise return while rehabbing.
- Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia 76ers | 3P: 37.9% | High-volume, high-energy All-Star participant.
- Donovan Mitchell — Cleveland Cavaliers | 3P: 37.6% | Consistent long-range scorer and All-Star selection.
- Jamal Murray — Denver Nuggets | 3P: 42.5% | Efficient shooter with deep range and big-game experience.
- Bobby Portis — Milwaukee Bucks | 3P: 45.0% | Highest percentage among contestants, on fewer attempts.
- Norman Powell — Miami Heat | 3P: 39.6% | Veteran shooter who can heat up quickly in short bursts.
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Notably absent: Tyler Herro, the defending champion, will not compete after missing recent games with a rib injury.
Contest format, timing and how shooters score points
The 3-Point Contest unfolds over two distinct rounds. Eight players start in round one. The top three scorers move on to the final.
Timing and shot supply
- Each shooter has 70 seconds to attempt up to 27 shots.
- There are five rack locations around the arc.
- Four racks feature four standard balls and one money ball.
- One rack contains five money balls; shooters choose its location.
Point values and special shots
- Standard balls count for one point.
- Money balls are worth two points apiece.
- There are two deep logo-range shots worth two points each.
- Theoretical maximum score in a round is 40 points.
Key contenders and dark-horse picks to watch
The field blends star power and sharp percentages. Several storylines will shape the contest.
- Devin Booker — Brings experience and a past title to the stage. He knows how to perform under the lights.
- Jamal Murray — High accuracy and rhythm from range make him a top threat.
- Donovan Mitchell and Tyrese Maxey — Two All-Stars who already take many long-range attempts each game.
- Bobby Portis — Leads the group in 3-point percentage, though on limited volume.
- Kon Knueppel — The rookie profile and strong efficiency create a compelling sleeper story.
- Damian Lillard — A former winner and one of the best shooters of his generation, even while coming off injury.
Expect streaks, momentum swings and strategic rack placement to decide the outcome.
When to tune in and what to expect during All-Star Saturday Night
- Date: Saturday, Feb. 14
- Time: 5 p.m. ET | 2 p.m. PT
- Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
Broadcast changes this year mean an earlier start time on NBC, which also has Winter Olympics rights. The evening flows from the Skills Challenge into the 3-Point Contest and wraps with the Slam Dunk Contest.
