Dallas Mavericks: Wesley Matthews Chosen for 3-Point Contest

Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) poses for a photo during Media Day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Dallas Mavericks were unrepresented for the Western Conference All-Star team, but will now at least be sending a representative to try and claim the 3-point shootout trophy for the Mavs.

News came out today for the upcoming All-Star weekend that the Dallas Mavericks very own Wesley Matthews will be competing in the 3-Point Contest on the Saturday before the All-Star game. Matthews will be the first Dallas Maverick in the 3-Point Contest since Dirk Nowitzki in 2008.

Wesley Matthews started this season in a bit of a slump, even to the point where people were questioning whether he would ever return to form. Then, like lightning, Matthews hit. Again and again and again. Now, Wes is killing it on the court night in and night out for the Mavs, shooting him into the Top 10 in the league in 3-pointers made.

As of right now, Wes is at 10th in the league with 129 3-pointers made. He has done so on 339 attempts, giving him a 38.1% clip from behind the arc. He will be competing against the likes of Kyle Lowry (Toronto), Klay Thompson (Golden State), Kyrie Irving (Cleveland), Kemba Walker (Charlotte), Nick Young (Los Angeles Lakers), C.J. McCollum (Portland), and Eric Gordon (Houston).

Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates making a three point shot against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) celebrates making a three point shot against the Houston Rockets during the first half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

All of these players are in the top 12 in made 3-pointers in the league. The members that were not included from that 12 were Stephen Curry (obviously), James Harden, Ryan Anderson, and Trevor Ariza. That is 4 players in the top 12 playing for the Houston Rockets by the way.

Wesley Matthews may not be the premier name in this 3-point shootout, but he is an excellent shooter. Matthews also has experience in the contest after competing back in 2015. Wes missed the 2nd round of the contest by one 3-pointer after scoring a 22 in the first round. Of course, Steph’s 27 in the 2nd round probably wasn’t going to get beat.

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No matter the competition, the 3-Point Contest is always about whoever has the hot hand going in to the day, and if it is Wes Matthews, we may be seeing a Maverick hoisting the 3-Point trophy at the end of the day.