2013 NBA All-Star Weekend: Handicapping the 3-point contest
By Matt Shetler
The New York Knicks will be well represented in Houston for the 2013 NBA All-Star Weekend and that include the three-point contest as Steve Novak is one of the favorites to hoist the trophy.
Over the past few years, watching the long-range bombs has become every bit as exciting as the dunk contest and this year should be no exception as the field is loaded with great shooters.
February 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (30) shoots the ball against the Houston Rockets during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 116-107. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
It won’t be easy, but will Novak be able to emerge victorious?
Let’s take a look. (Odds via Bovada)
Paul George, Indiana Pacers (15-to-2)
When thinking about George’s game, three-point shooting isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. But that doesn’t mean he can’t knock them down with regularity. He is knocking down three’s at a 38.6 percent clip on the season and his numbers have remained pretty consistent each month. But he comes in with the lowest percentage from behind the arc, so that makes him the long shot. But that doesn’t matter too much as Kevin Love came in last year with the worst odds and won the whole thing.
Matt Bonner, San Antonio Spurs (5-to-1)
Bonner has shot at least 42 percent from behind the arc in six of his nine NBA seasons, which makes it odd that it has taken “The Red Rocket” this long to get an invite to the contest. He is a great long-rage shooter and is my sleeper to win it all, but he has a bit of a slow release, which hurts in this type of competition.
Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Hornets (4-to-1)
This contest is made for Anderson, who shoots three’s in volume, leading the NBA by a wide margin with 396 three-pointers attempted. He should have no problem getting up enough shots and he is shooting 40 percent from behind the arc on the season so he should be able to knock down more than his share.
Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers (4-to-1)
Irving is among the Top 10 three-point shooters on the season, knocking down 42.5 percent of his attempts. He is also participating in the Rising Stars Challenge and Sunday’s All-Star Game. Could this be a breakout weekend for the second-year guard?
Steve Novak, New York Knicks (5-to-2)
Novak comes in as the co-favorite and last year’s NBA leader in three-point shooting is having another good year, knocking down 44 percent of his opportunities. He has a smooth effortless stroke which bodes well. As long as he doesn’t do the Discount Triple Check after every make, Novak has a legitimate chance to win the whole thing.
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (5-to-2)
Curry has knocked down 44.7 percent of his three-point attempts, which ties him with Novak and ranks him behind only Kyle Korver in three-point percentage this season. He comes in hot as Curry has knocked down 48 and 47 percent of his three’s in December and January, respectively. his stroke is smooth and effortless and has a great chance to win it all.
My Prediction: Curry over Novak. I hate to go with the two favorites, but I feel they will represent themselves well.
Final Predicted order of finish:
1. Curry
2. Novak
3. Anderson
4. Bonner
5. George
6. Irving
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