A Night of High Stakes and High Scores
SAN FRANCISCO — The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend was a dazzling affair, and the 3-Point Contest was no exception. The Bay Area, home to many basketball legends, was buzzing with excitement as players took the stage to showcase their long-range shooting prowess. Among the stars, Damian Lillard, the two-time defending champion, was a favorite to add another title to his name. However, the evening belonged to Tyler Herro, who outperformed the packed field to claim the coveted crown.
Lillard’s Off Night in the Bay
Despite the hometown support and the electric atmosphere, Lillard struggled in the first round of the contest. The Portland Trail Blazers star, known for his clutch shooting and smooth form, could only manage a score of 17. This disappointing performance left many fans and analysts scratching their heads, as Lillard had been the dominant force in the 3-Point Contest over the past two years. The pressure of playing in front of a crowd that had seen him thrive in the past may have contributed to his off night, but whatever the reason, Lillard’s journey to a third consecutive title ended prematurely.
Buddy Hield’s Home Crowd Triumph
The first round saw a standout performance from Buddy Hield, a key player for the Golden State Warriors. Hield, who is known for his prolific shooting, set the bar high with a scintillating score of 31 points. The home crowd erupted in cheers, energizing Hield as he hit one shot after another. His performance was a testament to his skill and the support he received, making him the front-runner heading into the championship round. Hield’s dominance in the first round also highlighted the unpredictability of the contest, where even the best shooters can falter under pressure or shine bright.
Tyler Herro’s Unexpected Rise
Tyler Herro, the young sharpshooter from the Miami Heat, found himself in a surprising position. He came in third in the first round with a respectable score, barely making it to the championship round alongside Hield and Darius Garland. However, Herro’s nerves seemed to calm down in the second round, and he felt more comfortable and confident. "Going first definitely helped," Herro reflected after the win. "The arena felt cold the first time, but for the second round, I felt more loose and relaxed. Having a bunch of great shooters around, I think putting up a good score early put a little pressure on them."
The Championship Round: Pressure and Precision
In the championship round, Herro’s strategy paid off. He started strong and maintained his momentum, finishing with a solid score of 24 points. Garland, who had shown promise in the first round, put up a 19, while Hield, despite a strong showing, struggled with a slow start. Hield needed to sink all five of the two-point Moneyball shots from the corner to tie things up but managed only four. "Tough one. Bad start. It’s all good, though," Hield said, acknowledging his early struggles but maintaining a positive attitude. The championship round was a testament to the importance of consistency and mental fortitude, qualities that Herro clearly possessed.
A New Heat Legend Joins the Ranks
Tyler Herro’s victory made him the fifth Miami Heat player to win the 3-Point Contest, joining the ranks of Glenn Rice (1995), Jason Kapono (2007), Daequan Cook (2009), and James Jones (2011). His win was a proud moment for the Heat organization and a significant milestone in his young career. Herro’s performance not only showcased his shooting skills but also his ability to handle the pressure of a high-stakes competition. As he hoisted the trophy, the crowd acknowledged his achievement, marking him as the new star of the 3-Point Contest and a rising legend in the NBA.
This year’s 3-Point Contest was a thrilling display of skill and determination, with Tyler Herro emerging as the champion in a night filled with unexpected twists and turns.
