Who is the favorite to win 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend
One of the most anticipated events of the All-Star weekend is the 3-point shooting contest. This year's shooting contest will take place on February 18 and will feature eight participants. These players include the following:
- Tyrese Haliburton
- Tyler Herro
- Buddy Hield
- Kevin Huerter
- Damian Lillard
- Lauri Markkanen
- Anfernee Simons
- Jayson Tatum
These eight players have proven to be among the elite 3-point shooters this season. While they are without a doubt lethal marksmen in-game and can stun their opponents with their shooting prowess, continuously doing so within 70 seconds is a different story. Sinking in shots in this kind of format can psychologically affect a player and physically tire them out.
With that in mind, a player must be consistent and steady with his shot to win the 3-point shooting contest. But who exactly is everyone's favorite to win this year's All-Star weekend?
Buddy Hield is likely to win the 2023 3-point shooting contest at All-Star weekend
When it comes to the 3-point shooting contest, consistency is the key to victory. While Buddy Hield doesn't possess the same star power as some of his opponents, he's undeniably one of the best shooters this season. Hield is currently shooting 42.3% from behind the arc and is also one of the Indiana Pacers' best 3-point shooters this year.
Buddy Hield's teammate, Tyrese Haliburton, is also participating in this year's event. Haliburton was also named an All-Star this year, which gives Hield all the more reason to beat his Pacers ally. This could be the motivation for Buddy to prove that Tyrese can't be the best at everything in Indiana.
Another player Hield should watch out for is Lauri Markkanen, as he is the only other player in the lineup of contestants who's averaging above 40%. Markkanen is currently averaging 41.2% from behind the arc and could possibly be the finalist.
While Hield and Markkanen have the highest 3-point percentage among the participants, let's not forget that there are other two-star players in the bout as well. Damian Lillard and Jayson Tatum will also participate in the 3-point shooting contest this weekend. Their numbers might not be as consistent as the favorites, but both superstars possess clutch genes within themselves.