NBA Blue Devil headlines 3-Point Contest

Originally posted on FanNation Blue Devil Country
By Matt Giles | Last updated 2/14/23

Two years ago, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made his NBA 3-Point Contest debut and finished third behind Mike Conley and two-time winner Steph Curry. The former Duke basketball one-and-done did not participate last season, yet one NBA Blue Devil did: Luke Kennard, who advanced to the final round but lost to Karl-Anthony Towns.

The 2023 edition, part of the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night in Salt Lake City that begins at 8 p.m. ET (TNT), will mark the third straight with a Duke basketball product as Tatum is a member of the eight-man field that Stadium's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday:

Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Kevin Huerter (Sacramento Kings)
Tyler Herro (Miami Heat)
Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers)
Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers)
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers)
Anfernee Simons (Portland Trail Blazers)
Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz)

Tatum, one of three former Blue Devils who are voted-in starters for Sunday's NBA All-Star Game (only he and Kyrie Irving will play as Zion Williamson remains out with a hamstring injury), has the third-most 3-point attempts (502) in the league this season but only the seventh-most makes (177).

His 35.3 shooting percentage from downtown this go-round is currently tied with his mark from last season as his career-low.

Nevertheless, the fourth-time All-Star is a top MVP contender, averaging a career-high 30.5 points for the NBA-leading Celtics (41-16), and has 3-Point Contest experience on his side.

Kyrie Irving, the only NBA Blue Devil who has ever taken home the 3-Point Contest trophy, won the event in 2013.

This article first appeared on FanNation Blue Devil Country and was syndicated with permission.

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