When people ask me about the most electrifying moments in NBA All-Star weekend history, my mind immediately goes to the three-point contest. I've been watching this event religiously since Larry Bird dominated the early competitions, and there's something uniquely compelling about watching the game's best shooters face off in pure shooting skill. The question of who scored the most points in NBA three-point contest history isn't just about numbers—it's about legendary performances that defined eras and left permanent marks on basketball culture.

Let me take you back to 1986, when Larry Bird won his third consecutive three-point title. I remember watching that final round where he scored 22 points, which was absolutely dominant for that era. The way he walked off the court pointing his finger in the air before the final shot even went through the net—that's the kind of confidence that made these contests memorable. Bird's performances set the standard, but what's fascinating is how the scoring records have evolved as the competition format changed and shooting skills developed across the league.

The current scoring record belongs to Stephen Curry, who put up an incredible 31 points in the 2021 contest. I was watching that night thinking he might break 30, but when he actually did it, the atmosphere was electric. Curry's performance came under the current format with two money balls worth two points each and the special "MTN DEW Zone" rack adding extra scoring opportunities. Before Curry, the record was held by Devin Booker with 28 points in 2018, which itself had broken the previous record of 27 points shared by Craig Hodges and Jason Kapono. What's interesting to me is how these scoring explosions have become more frequent in recent years, reflecting how three-point shooting has evolved from a specialty skill to a fundamental requirement for guards and forwards alike.

Now, when we talk about pure shooting volume, Curry's 31-point performance stands alone, but context matters too. The format changes over the years make direct comparisons challenging. From 1986 to 2001, players had 25 balls with five money balls worth two points each, totaling 30 possible points. The current format offers 34 possible points with the additional money balls and special racks. This evolution means that while Curry's 31 points is technically the highest score, some of the older performances might be equally impressive given their era's constraints.

What often gets overlooked in these discussions is the international influence on three-point shooting. Thinking about the global game reminds me of the reference about Reyes skipping the game at Smart Araneta Coliseum and TNT potentially playing without Kelly Williams and Roger Pogoy due to injuries. While this reference comes from international basketball rather than the NBA, it highlights how crucial three-point shooting has become worldwide. The fact that teams globally are dealing with lineup changes due to injuries to key shooters shows how the skill has transcended the NBA. I've noticed that the global adoption of the three-point shot has actually pushed NBA shooters to new heights, creating this fascinating feedback loop where international players come to the NBA with refined shooting techniques, and NBA innovations spread back to leagues worldwide.

The mental aspect of these competitions fascinates me just as much as the physical skill. Having watched dozens of these contests, I can tell you that the pressure in the final round is palpable even through the television screen. Players who dominate the first round sometimes crumble under the championship pressure. That's why Curry's record is so impressive—he delivered his highest score when it mattered most. Similarly, Ray Allen's consistency across multiple contests, though he never broke the scoring record, demonstrated a mental toughness that I've always admired. The great shooters find ways to block out the noise and focus on their rhythm, something that's easier said than done when millions are watching and every shot determines your place in history.

Looking at the statistical progression, the average winning score has steadily increased from around 16-18 points in the 1980s to consistently above 20 points in recent years. This isn't just about format changes—it's about fundamental shifts in shooting technique, practice regimens, and the overall emphasis on three-point shooting in modern basketball. When I talk to younger players today, their shooting routines are far more systematic than what players did even a decade ago. The specialization has reached incredible levels, with players practicing specifically for contest scenarios, including the transition between racks and shooting under fatigue.

Personally, I believe Curry's record will stand for a while, though I wouldn't be surprised if someone like Damian Lillard or Trae Young makes a run at it. The evolution continues, and with the increasing emphasis on three-point shooting at all levels of basketball, we might see even more specialized shooters emerge. The three-point contest has evolved from a novelty to a centerpiece of All-Star weekend, and the scoring records tell a compelling story about basketball's ongoing transformation. As the game continues to globalize, with players from Manila to Milwaukee prioritizing long-range shooting, these records will likely continue to fall, but Curry's 31-point masterpiece will always hold a special place in the history of this iconic competition.