Stephen Curry 3 Point Contest Return Set for Phoenix as Warriors Star Targets Third Title

During NBA All Star weekend, Stephen Curry announced he will return to the 3 Point Contest in Phoenix next year, positioning himself for a potential third title in the league’s premier shooting showcase.

Curry made the announcement during a national television appearance on NBC while sidelined from the All Star Game with a knee injury. The Golden State Warriors guard said he plans to compete in the 2026 event and added that he will attempt to recruit former teammate Klay Thompson to join him in the field.

The decision immediately reshapes the early outlook for All Star Saturday in Phoenix. Curry last competed in the 3 Point Contest in 2021 in Atlanta, where he captured his second title. He previously won in 2015 in New York. Thompson won the event in 2016 in Toronto. Damian Lillard secured his third career 3 Point Contest victory this year in Los Angeles, becoming just the third player in NBA history to win the event three times. With another win, Curry would join that group.

From a historical perspective, Curry’s return carries added significance. He is the NBA all time leader in three pointers made and has led the league in the category eight times. His influence on shot selection and offensive spacing has transformed modern NBA strategy, with league wide three point attempts increasing dramatically during his tenure. This season, Curry is shooting 39.1 percent from three point range, maintaining elite efficiency despite increased defensive attention.

The latest timeline surrounding Curry’s knee injury remains a key factor. While the issue kept him out of the All Star Game, there has been no indication of long term concern. The Warriors are currently navigating a tightly contested Western Conference playoff race, making health management a priority during the final stretch of the regular season.

What this means for Golden State extends beyond exhibition competition. Curry’s public commitment to next year’s event reinforces expectations that he intends to continue playing at a high level beyond this season. The 35 year old remains under contract as the focal point of the Warriors’ roster construction, with the franchise balancing veteran experience and younger rotational pieces.

There is also broader league impact. A potential Curry Thompson reunion in the contest would generate significant interest, given their shared championship history in Golden State and reputations as two of the most prolific shooters in NBA history. Thompson, now with the Dallas Mavericks, has not yet confirmed participation.

Next steps focus on Curry’s health and the Warriors’ postseason positioning. Updates on his knee recovery are expected when the regular season resumes. As the NBA prepares for Phoenix next year, Curry’s return to the 3 Point Contest adds early momentum to an event that continues to showcase the league’s evolving perimeter era.