Matthews Falls to Eric Gordon in the 2017 JBL 3-Point Contest

In an incredible display, Houston Rockets’ star Eric Gordon won the 2017 3-Point Contest in New Orleans to headline All-Star Saturday.

After battling Kyrie Irving in a tiebreaker championship round, Eric Gordon pulls off the upset against the 2013 champion and captures his first JBL 3-Point Contest trophy. Gordon was able to put up a score of 21 to outlast Thompson’s score of 19 in the final round.

In a very competitive contest, Gordon was able to win it thanks to his strategic placement of the “money rack.” Gordon had the “money rack” at the top of the key, where he made 4 out of 5 shots in the tiebreaking round.

Another very surprising happening, one of the Warriors’ Splash Brothers, Klay Thompson, was eliminated after the first round when he failed to beat Kemba Walker’s 19 points and advance to the championship round.

Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; An overall view during contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In a year where Wesley Matthews was the only Mavericks’ player* participating in the weekend festivities, Wes’ performance comes as a disappointment for MFFLs. Matthews was eliminated after just one round after an eleven point showing. While his performance was below expectations, it wasn’t the worst. Toronto PG Kyle Lowry was only able to get to 9 points.

*Note: Mavs’ owner Mark Cuban participated in the Celebrity All-Star Game. Also, Yogi Ferrell was selected for the D-League All-Star Game.

Here is a recap of what went down in New Orleans on Saturday night:

The Competitors:

Eric Gordon, HOU – 38.5% 3-PT*
Kyrie Irving, CLE – 38.9% 3-PT (2013 Champion)
Kyle Lowry, TOR – 41.7% 3-PT
Wes Matthews, DAL – 38.1% 3-PT
C.J. McCollum, POR – 41.1% 3-PT
Klay Thompson, GS – 42.2% 3-PT (2016 Champion)
Kemba Walker, CHA – 39.5% 3-PT
Nick Young, LAL – 41.3% 3-PT

*All three-point percentages from 2016-2017 season

Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving (2) competes in the three-point contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

First Round

Eric Gordon: 25 Points
Kyrie Irving: 20 Points
Kyle Lowry: 9 Points ELIMINATED
Wes Matthews: 11 Points ELIMINATED
C.J. McCollum: 10 Points ELIMINATED
Klay Thompson: 18 Points ELIMINATED
Kemba Walker: 19 Points
Nick Young: 18 Points ELIMINATED

Championship Round

Gordon: 20 Points
Irving: 20 Points
Walker: 17 Points ELIMINATED

Feb 18, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) celebrates winning the three-point contest during NBA All-Star Saturday Night at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Championship Tiebreaker

Gordon: 21 Points WINNER
Irving: 18 Points ELIMINATED

CHAMPION: ERIC GORDON

Takeaways

The placement of the money rack will make or break a players’ performance. The competitors get to choose where they want the rack to be that has all money balls, which are worth 2 points each. Kyrie Irving was able to take advantage of the money balls he got in the competition. Gordon sealed his victory over Eric Gordon in the tiebreaking round by making 6 money balls in his 21-point winning effort.

Next: Mid-Season Grades for the Mavericks' Forwards

Congratulations to the 2017 JBL 3-Point Contest Champion, Eric Gordon!