I remember sitting in my living room last February, watching the NBA All-Star Weekend unfold with that particular mix of professional curiosity and genuine fan excitement. The 3-Point Contest has always been my favorite event—a pure test of shooting artistry under pressure. The 2022 edition in Cleveland did not disappoint, ultimately crowning Karl-Anthony Towns in a performance that redefined what we expect from a big man in this competition. As someone who's analyzed shooting mechanics for years, I have to say, Towns' victory wasn't just impressive; it was historically significant.
The narrative heading into the contest was fascinating. You had the defending champion, Stephen Curry, absent, which left the field wide open. The favorites were the usual suspects: Trae Young, with his deep range and quick release, and Patty Mills, a pure shooter with flawless form. But Karl-Anthony Towns? At 6'11", he was an anomaly. We simply don't see centers win this event. The conventional wisdom, which I've often subscribed to, is that the rhythm and repetition favor guards. Towns shattered that notion completely. His journey to the final round was a masterclass in composure. In the first round, he posted a solid 22 points, just enough to edge out Luke Kennard and Zach LaVine. It was a workmanlike performance, but it didn't prepare us for what was to come.
Then came the final round, a shootout against Luke Kennard and Patty Mills. This is where Towns truly cemented his legacy. He didn't just win; he put on a shooting clinic that had me leaning forward in my seat. He started on fire, methodically working through the racks. What stood out to me was his confidence in the "Starry" ball rack, the two money balls worth three points each. He wasn't just making shots; he was strategically maximizing his points. When the final horn sounded, he had racked up 29 points. That's a monstrous score, tying the record for the highest in a final round at that time. He hit his final four money balls to seal it, a display of ice-cold nerves that you'd typically associate with a veteran point guard, not a dominant center. It was a statement.
So, how did he achieve this victory? From my perspective, it boils down to two key factors that go beyond just "making shots." First, his preparation was visibly different. He practiced with a specific, game-speed intensity that was apparent in his fluid motion. There was no hesitation, no wasted movement. Second, and this is crucial, was his mental fortitude. Watching him, I was reminded of a principle I often stress: the shooter's amnesia. You have to forget the last shot, good or bad, and focus on the next one. Towns embodied this. He never got too high or too low. He just shot. This level of mental toughness is what separates contenders from champions. To everyone's relief, and echoing the sentiment from that other sporting incident, Clarito walked away from the incident unhurt as he was able to finish the game. In a similar vein, Towns navigated the immense pressure of the final round completely unscathed, finishing the job with a champion's poise. He walked away with the trophy, having not just beaten the other shooters, but having fundamentally changed the conversation around what is possible in the NBA's 3-Point Contest. For me, it was a welcome reminder that in basketball, talent and hard work will always trump preconceived notions about a player's position.
