Donovan Mitchell Returns to the 3-Point Contest - And This Time, He's Leading the League
Donovan Mitchell is heading back to the 3-Point Contest, and this time, he’s doing it with some serious momentum behind him.
The Cavaliers’ star guard will take part in the 2026 State Farm 3-Point Contest for the third time in his career - and the second time wearing Cleveland colors. But unlike in years past, Mitchell enters this year’s competition not just as a high-volume shooter, but as the league leader in total threes made. Through 49 games, he’s knocked down 180 shots from beyond the arc, putting him at the top of the leaderboard and squarely in the spotlight heading into All-Star Weekend.
Joining Mitchell in the field is a mix of established stars and rising names: Devin Booker, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, Norman Powell, Bobby Portis Jr., Charlotte rookie Kon Knueppel, and the surprise of the group - Damian Lillard. Lillard hasn’t played a game yet this season, but he’s chasing history. A win would be his third in the event, tying the all-time record.
This year’s contest will open All-Star Saturday night, flipping the script from recent years where it usually held a later time slot. It’s a notable change, especially considering how the 3-Point Contest has arguably become the crown jewel of Saturday’s festivities - often outshining the Dunk Contest in terms of star power and execution. So if you’re tuning in, make sure to adjust your schedule accordingly.
Mitchell isn’t just a volume shooter this season - he’s doing it with efficiency and rhythm, leading a Cavaliers team that’s found its footing after a rocky start. His 180 threes already put him within striking distance of his own franchise record of 245, set just three seasons ago in 2023.
And he’s not the only one lighting it up this year. Knueppel, the rookie out of Charlotte, has been a revelation from deep, sitting third in the league with 174 makes.
Maxey isn’t far behind with 169.
Cleveland has a proud history in the 3-Point Contest. Kyrie Irving brought home the trophy in 2013, and Mark Price went back-to-back in '93 and '94. Other Cavaliers who’ve stepped onto the 3-point stage include Darius Garland and Daniel Gibson - names that still resonate with fans in Northeast Ohio.
One name missing this year is Sam Merrill. The sharpshooting role player has been one of the league’s most accurate threats from deep, but he won’t be participating.
Merrill has hinted in the past that he enjoys using the All-Star break to hit the golf course rather than the hardwood, and that might explain his absence. Still, with Mitchell leading the league, it makes perfect sense for him to represent Cleveland solo.
That said, a two-man Cavs contingent would’ve been a fun wrinkle.
As it stands, Mitchell will be the only Cavalier taking the court on All-Star Sunday as well. He’s having a career year - not just in terms of shooting, but as the engine of a team that needed stability early in the season.
When Cleveland stumbled out of the gate, it was Mitchell who kept them in the fight. Now, he’s not just an All-Star - he’s a legitimate contender in the league’s most competitive 3-point showcase.
With the spotlight on him and the league’s best gunners lined up at the arc, Mitchell has a chance to add another accolade to an already impressive season. And if he keeps shooting like this, don’t be surprised if he walks away with the trophy.