How Luka Dončić Dominated the 2024 Three‑Point Contest

Setting the Stage: What the 2024 Contest Looked Like

The NBA’s All‑Star weekend always brings a fresh spin on the three‑point showdown, and 2024 was no exception. A revamped format – three racks of regular balls, one rack of “money” balls, and a deep “all‑money” rack worth three points per shot – meant the perfect score now sits at 30. The field was stacked: sharpshooters like Klay Thompson, Jordan Clarkson, and the rookie phenom Cade Cunningham all eyed the trophy. But the name that kept popping up in every pre‑game discussion was Luka Dončić, the Dallas Mavericks’ point‑forward who had never entered the contest before.

Why Luka’s Victory Was Unexpected

Dončić is celebrated for his playmaking and clutch scoring, yet his reputation as a pure shooter has been mixed. Critics often point to his lower three‑point percentage compared with dedicated marksmen. Still, his confidence in Indianapolis was palpable. He’d spent weeks practicing from the exact spots used in the contest – the deep three‑point line, the corners, and the mid‑range “money” positions – turning a perceived weakness into a strategic advantage.

The Final Round: A Perfect 30

When the final round began, the arena buzzed with anticipation. Each contestant has 60 seconds to launch 20 shots. Dončić’s rhythm was almost mechanical: he nailed the first rack of regular balls, then the second, and hit every money ball without a miss. The deep rack, worth three points per make, was where the magic truly happened. He drained all five shots, turning the potential 15 points from that rack into a full 15.

By the time the timer beeped, Dončić’s scoreboard read a flawless 30 – the first perfect round in contest history under the current scoring system. No other competitor came close; the runner‑up managed a 27, missing just one money ball.

Who Sunk the Most? A Record‑Breaking Night

In terms of sheer volume, Dončić’s 20 made shots (including all five money balls) represent the highest tally in a single round since the contest’s 2022 format change. While earlier eras saw players like Stephen Curry hit 27 points under a different scoring scheme, the 2024 performance stands out because it maximized every high‑value opportunity.

• Regular balls: 15 made (15 points)
• Money balls: 5 made (10 points)
• All‑money rack: 5 made (15 points)
• Total: 30 points – a perfect score

How Dončić’s Win Shifts the Narrative

The victory does more than add a new name to the trophy case. It challenges the conventional wisdom that only “pure shooters” can dominate the three‑point contest. Dončić’s blend of footwork, quick release, and mental composure proved that a versatile scorer can excel when preparation meets opportunity.

Moreover, his perfect round sparked conversations about future format tweaks. Some analysts argue the all‑money rack is too punitive – a single miss can erase an otherwise flawless effort. Others see it as the perfect way to reward players who can stretch the range, keeping the contest fresh and unpredictable.

What This Means for Future Contests

Fans will likely see more non‑specialist shooters stepping up, especially those with a reputation for clutch performance. The three‑point contest has always been a blend of skill and spectacle; Dončić’s win reminds everyone that the line between the two is thinner than we think. Expect Dallas fans to celebrate his achievement with a parade, while rival teams will study his practice regimen in hopes of replicating the success.

FAQ

Did anyone else achieve a perfect score in the three‑point contest?

No. Luka Dončić’s 30‑point performance in 2024 is the first perfect round since the current scoring system was introduced in 2022.

How many three‑pointers did the runner‑up make?

The second‑place finisher hit 18 of the 20 shots, missing a single money ball and ending with 27 points.

Will the NBA consider changing the contest format after 2024?

Discussions are ongoing. Some officials think the all‑money rack adds excitement, while others suggest adding a second deep rack to balance the high‑risk, high‑reward element.

Can I watch the full 2024 contest replay?

Yes, the entire three‑point contest is available on the NBA’s official streaming platform and on most major sports networks’ on‑demand services.