The NBA’s All-Star Weekend is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the basketball calendar, filled with a diverse range of contests and activities that celebrate the game. Among these, the Three-Point Contest has emerged as one of the most popular and exciting spectacles, bringing together the best shooters in the league to compete in a high-octane showdown of skill, precision, and flair.
The 2025 Three-Point Contest promises to be one of the most captivating editions in recent years, thanks in part to the inclusion of two standout players: Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks and Cam Johnson of the Brooklyn Nets. These two rising stars are set to showcase their sharp shooting in the contest, adding intrigue to an already stacked field of competitors.
Jalen Brunson: A Sneaky Star for the Knicks
Jalen Brunson’s inclusion in the 2025 Three-Point Contest might come as a surprise to some. A player known more for his steady playmaking and ability to get to the basket, Brunson has quietly developed into one of the league’s more consistent shooters from beyond the arc.
Brunson, who signed with the New York Knicks in the summer of 2022, quickly proved his worth as one of the team’s most reliable players. While Julius Randle often steals the headlines in New York, Brunson’s ability to operate in the pick-and-roll, break down defenses, and score efficiently has made him indispensable to the Knicks’ offense.
While he’s not as prolific from three-point range as some of the league’s elite shooters, Brunson has steadily increased his shooting accuracy year after year. His three-point percentage in 2023-24 hovered around 40%, a remarkable feat for a player who isn’t necessarily known as a pure shooter. This makes him a potential dark horse in the contest, as he has proven that he can hit the long ball when it counts. Additionally, Brunson’s calm demeanor and ability to stay composed under pressure will serve him well in the contest, as he’s shown time and again that he thrives in clutch moments.
The opportunity to compete in the Three-Point Contest will give Brunson a chance to showcase his growing shooting range and gain recognition for a skill that has often flown under the radar. His smooth mechanics and ability to hit shots off the dribble or catch-and-shoot make him a formidable threat in any shooting contest, and Knicks fans will be excited to see one of their own participate in such a high-profile event.
Cam Johnson: The Sharpshooter for Brooklyn
On the other side of the river, Cam Johnson has emerged as one of the NBA’s premier shooting talents. A member of the Brooklyn Nets, Johnson’s three-point shooting is one of the key facets of his game, and his ability to space the floor has made him an invaluable asset to the team.
Johnson, a former standout at the University of North Carolina, made an immediate impact in the NBA after being drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 2019. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and high release point, Johnson quickly became one of the most efficient shooters in the league. His three-point shooting has been particularly impressive, with Johnson regularly posting percentages above 40% throughout his career.
Since joining the Nets in a trade with the Suns in 2023, Johnson has continued to elevate his game. In addition to his shooting, his length and athleticism have made him a versatile forward who can guard multiple positions. However, it’s his shooting that has garnered the most attention. Johnson’s ability to hit shots from deep, whether off the catch or off the dribble, has made him a key weapon for the Nets in their offensive schemes.
For Brooklyn, the addition of Johnson’s shooting threat has been pivotal in spacing the floor and giving their offense a much-needed boost. Johnson has become a key cog in the Nets’ lineup, and his selection for the Three-Point Contest is a well-deserved recognition of his talent.
As a player who consistently shoots at an elite level, Johnson’s inclusion in the Three-Point Contest is no surprise. His combination of size, shooting mechanics, and basketball IQ makes him a formidable challenger. With his smooth shooting stroke and confidence on the court, Johnson could very well be one of the favorites to win the event.
The 2025 Three-Point Contest: A Battle of Styles
One of the most interesting aspects of the 2025 Three-Point Contest will be the contrast between Brunson and Johnson’s playing styles. While both players are excellent shooters, they approach the game from different angles.
Brunson is a methodical player, often creating his own shots through a combination of footwork and skill. He’s not as reliant on catch-and-shoot opportunities as some of his competitors, which could make his approach to the contest unique. Expect Brunson to rely on his smooth mechanics and ability to shoot off the dribble, particularly when he’s forced to create space for himself in a tight contest setting.
On the other hand, Johnson is known for his pristine shooting mechanics and catch-and-shoot ability. His quick release and ability to get his shot off without much space make him an ideal candidate for a shooting contest, where quick, precise shots are key. While Brunson might focus more on creating his own opportunities, Johnson will likely excel in the spot shooting portion of the contest.
Both players also bring their respective team dynamics into the equation. Brunson, as the leader of the Knicks, has been thrust into a high-pressure environment in New York, where expectations are high and the spotlight is constantly on him. This will serve him well in a contest like this, where players must perform under intense pressure.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s role on a Nets team that is still finding its identity post-Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving means that he has had to adapt quickly and find his niche. As a result, he’s developed into one of the league’s most reliable shooters. His calm demeanor on the court could give him an edge in a high-pressure contest like this, where poise and accuracy are essential.
What’s at Stake: More Than Just a Trophy
For both Brunson and Johnson, the 2025 Three-Point Contest represents more than just the chance to take home a trophy. It’s an opportunity to further establish themselves as elite players in the NBA, particularly when it comes to their shooting. The Three-Point Contest is often a stage where rising stars can showcase their skills and boost their profile on the national stage.
In the case of Jalen Brunson, this contest could serve as a defining moment for his career, showing that he’s more than just a playmaker and scorer—he’s a complete player with the ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor. For Cam Johnson, winning the contest could solidify his status as one of the best shooters in the league and elevate his game to another level, especially with the Nets in need of consistent performances from their role players.
Conclusion
With both Jalen Brunson and Cam Johnson set to participate in the 2025 NBA Three-Point Contest, fans are in for an exciting and unpredictable competition. These two players, known for their shooting prowess and ability to make plays under pressure, will bring their unique skill sets to the contest, adding fresh excitement to this already thrilling event. As the NBA continues to evolve into a more three-point-centric league, these two sharpshooters will undoubtedly continue to be key figures in their teams’ success, and the Three-Point Contest will offer a chance to see them in the spotlight as they compete against some of the best shooters in the world.
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