Duke basketball: NBA Blue Devil headlines 3-Point Contest

Duke basketball products have become a common sight at the 3-Point Contest.

Matt Giles | Feb 14, 2023

Duke basketball: NBA Blue Devil headlines 3-Point Contest /

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Duke Blue Devils

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).

Here's Jayson Tatum at the 2021 NBA 3-Point Contest pic.twitter.com/eGpubMgJPr
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) February 14, 2023

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.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Feb 14, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.