NBA Three-Point Shootout: Previews and Predictions

February 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) follows through on a three-point shot in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors won 113-93. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

The three point contest is a great opportunity for players to flourish as the true shooters that they are. How Steve Novak wasn’t selected last year is a question for another time, but this year, shooting 44.1 % from the three pointer, Novak has a chance to win it all. It wont be easy, however, as he has to face other three point shooters like Stephen Curry and Ryan Anderson. Also competing will be Kyrie Irving, Paul George and Matt Bonner.

Let’s Meet Our Competitors:

1. Stephen Curry: One of the biggest snubs from the all-star game, Stephen Curry has something to prove. He wants to make the NBA Coaches feel stupid for not selecting him. This sharpshooter is favored to win, and having one of the best seasons of his career at 44.1% from three point land, and 20.9 points per game this season.

2. Ryan Anderson: It was almost a guarantee that Anderson was going to be selected for the contest. He is definitely one of the best shooters in the game, coming off the bench to back up Anthony Davis. Anderson’s shooting has gotten the Hornets out of a lot of trouble. He is shooting about 40% this year, and is easily going to be a finalist.

3. Paul George: Arguably, Paul George isn’t going to win this contest. At just 38% from three point land, which is good on average, George is the worst three point shooter out of these guys. Nevertheless, he is still a sharpshooter and can stroke it from time to time. George needs to have a hot start if he wants to win this contest.

4. Kyrie Irving: Irving is the second player in NBA history to be participating in all three nights of All Star Weekend. In doing so, I’m sure he’s quite lackadaisical and doesn’t care too much about winning. Then again, however, he lost the MVP award in the Rising Stars Challenge, so he may want to win something.

5. Matt Bonner: Bonner is one of the only big men in the NBA, except Channing Frye, who can actually shoot three pointers. He doesn’t take many shots a game, but he takes enough to be considered for the competition. Bonner is a legitimate center whose fast release often pays off. Either he makes something like 21 in the first round, or 8. It’s as simple as that.

6. Steve Novak: One of the best shooters in the league, Novak has really rejuvenated his career with the New York Knicks. He’s another (old) guy who wil hit 6 or 7 threes per game. His high shooting percent almost guarantees him a spot in the final round.

Final Predictions: Final 3: Stephen Curry, Ryan Anderson, Steve Novak

Winner: Stephen Curry