Since its inception in 1985, the Three-Point Contest has provided the NBA All-Star festivities with its most exciting moments.
From Larry Bird's historic performance in warm-ups to the recent conquest of big man Karl Anthony-Towns, the Three-Point Contest has seen a variety of thrilling finishes. But in 2001, one competitor rose to the occasion and put on a show like no other. Milwaukee Bucks wingman Ray Allen became the first player in franchise history to win the contest as he defeated Peja Stojakovic for the crown.
Hot start
The former UConn Husky star got off to a sizzling start, tallying 20 points in the first round to earn a spot in the finals along with Stojakovic and Dirk Nowitzki. The German star went cold in the finals, scoring just 10, but Stojakovic scored a respectable 17 points to give Allen a shot at snatching the crown.
However, Ray Ray took the crown as he scored 19 points in the finals to come away with the Three-Point Contest trophy that year. It was a thrilling win as Allen drilled ten straight shots in the last two racks to best Stojakovic's score.
Many Bucks have tried
Apart from Allen, three other Bucks have tried their luck in the Three-Point Contest.
The most recent participant is All-Star wingman Khris Middleton who competed in 2016 and then in 2019. Eric Murdock also competed in 1994, while renowned marksman Craig Hodges competed three straight times—from 1986 to 1988. Ironically, Hodges would win three titles in 1990, 1991, and 1992 although he was a member of the Chicago Bulls during that hot streak.
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