Michael Jordan's performance in the 1990 3PT contest put him on the wrong side of NBA history

To this day, MJ is still the worst performer in an NBA three point contest.

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Michael Jordan has had many iconic All-Star Weekend moments—from his two electrifying wins in the Slam Dunk Contest to his three All-Star MVP performances. Unfortunately, his turn at the 1990 Three-Point Shootout wasn't one of them, as he not only finished dead last but also registered the lowest percentage in the history of the contest.

Just not made it for it

Jordan was never known for his three-point shot. In fact, in the five seasons prior to him joining the 1990 Three-Point Shootout, he had only made a total of 56 triples. However, during that season, he had been shooting it well, making 37% of his attempts from beyond the arc. 

Perhaps this is why he decided to join the contest, looking for a chance to prove himself against the likes of renowned deadeye shooters such as Larry Bird, Mark Price, and even his teammate, Craig Hodges.

Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out as planned. 

Jordan shot just 5-for-30, with his 16.67% shooting clip ending up as the worst ever in the history of the competition. His five-point output also tied him for the worst ever with Detlef Schrempf in 1988.

The Shrug

Jordan, though, got better at long-range shooting and even made 111 three-pointers in consecutive seasons late in his career. In fact, one of his career's most iconic moments involved the three-pointer. 

In Game 1 of the 1992 NBA Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers, His Airness made six three-pointers in the first half alone. And when he canned his sixth during that stretch, he responded to the crowd's adulation with that famous shrug.

While Jordan couldn't quite get his three-point shooting accuracy going in the 1990 Three-Point Shootout, he was able to make up for it later on in his career by making crucial buckets from downtown when it mattered most. 

That, after all, is what great players do.