Milwaukee Bucks: Three-Point Shootout History
By Adam McGee
1985-86 – Craig Hodges (Runner-Up)
The Three-Point Shootout was introduced to All-Star weekend for the very first time back in 1986, and the Milwaukee Bucks had the privilege of having a horse in that very first race.
Craig Hodges took his place as part of a stellar field for the Bucks, going up against the legendary Larry Bird, future Bucks sharpshooter Dale Ellis, along with Trent Tucker, Sleepy Floyd, Kyle Macy, Leon Wood and Norm Nixon.
On the night, Hodges started fast, which is not necessarily always a good thing in the three-point contest. A blistering first round in which he racked up 25 points saw him cruise through to the semi-finals in first place.
A confident 14 point showing in round two, would then only be bettered by Bird, as the stage was set for Larry and Craig to go head-to-head in the final round.
In the end, it wasn’t even that close. Bird managed to trend his score upwards with each passing round (16, 18, 22), while Hodges clearly fatigued quicker with his scoring moving in the opposite direction (25, 14, 12).
Bird claimed his first victory in the contest, but this would certainly not be the last time that Hodges with duel with Larry Legend on All-Star Weekend.
Next: 1987