Sharpshooters. Marksmen. Arc assassins. Whatever you prefer to call them, the NBA is loaded with gunners who swish cylinders from distance with Caitlin Clark-like consistency.
Unlike this bricklayer who owns a vertical on par with Nikola Jokic (roughly two inches?), competitors in the annual 3-Point Contest put on a dazzling display every All-Star Weekend. Saturday’s shootout in the Circle City is sure to captivate Gainbridge Fieldhouse fans who will raise paper triples in celebration.
Yes, it’s an exhibition, but why not increase the stakes? Every sportsbook offers various ways to incentivize your viewership with multiple plus money options. For my dime, the hometown trigger — Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers — is worth the investment.
Why?
Wearing a white jacket, rubber gloves and a pair of oversized goggles for an extensive lab session, this Player Hater Degree is convinced Haliburton is the most logical choice to win.
"Something @NoisyHuevos would literally never win." - @daniklup is ruthless
— Live on the Line (@LiveontheLine) February 16, 2024
Let's take a look at the odds for the 3-Point Contest 😂#LiveontheLine | @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/m8JuLhxRSz
After perusing YouTube on a “deep” investigative film dive and watching a very small portion of a whopping 25-minute video of EVERY 3-pointer Haliburton splashed during the 2021-22 season, the scholarly scientist in me concluded that the Pacers All-Star guard is the proper selection.
Haliburton is a true professor of the perimeter. Yes, his release is somewhat funky, but his short, bunny-like shot hop gives him an advantage because he can snatch, lift his hands and release without overly taxing his 6-foot-5 frame. In what can be a grueling competition for high-elevation jump shooters, the Iowa State product could blow through racks with a tornado-like fury. If he can establish a rhythm and drain the all-important Starry balls, he’s sure to be in contention.
Equally important: The biased home crowd is bound to back Haliburton feverishly, increasing his odds of adding a trophy to the case. Feed off the energy, Tyrese.
And apologies, Dame. You’re not repeating. Haliburton, a career 40.6 percent 3-point shooter, drops repeated bombs Saturday.
Yep, I’m SEDUCED BY THE JUICE at +550 at BetMGM.