In the heart of San Francisco, the NBA All-Star weekend is set to dazzle fans once again. The highlight of this star-studded event will be the 3-Point Contest, a competition that has consistently delivered both excitement and fierce competition over the past decade. Scheduled for February 15th at the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, this contest promises to be an electrifying spectacle. With a lineup of top shooters from various teams, including Norman Powell, Darius Garland, and Damian Lillard, the contest aims to captivate audiences with its blend of skill and entertainment. This year also marks another opportunity for Lillard to etch his name in history alongside legends like Larry Bird and Craig Hodges.
The 2025 NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest: A Showcase of Precision and Skill
In the vibrant city by the bay, on the evening of February 15th, basketball enthusiasts will gather at the iconic Chase Center in San Francisco to witness the thrilling 3-Point Contest. This prestigious event, part of All-Star Saturday Night, will be televised live on TNT starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The contest features eight elite sharpshooters, each bringing their own unique flair and accuracy to the court. Notable participants include Norman Powell of the Clippers, Darius Garland of the Cavaliers, and reigning champion Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Bucks. Each competitor boasts impressive three-point shooting percentages, ranging from 35.4% to 43.1%, setting the stage for an intense showdown.
The format remains unchanged, with two rounds where players have 70 seconds to score as many points as possible using 27 balls. Five racks are placed around the three-point line, with one special "Starry Range" deep shot rack worth three points. Four regular racks contain one multi-colored "money ball" worth two points, while one rack consists entirely of these valuable shots. The top three scorers from the first round advance to the final round, where the highest scorer emerges victorious. Last year, the highest score was 26, achieved by Sabrina Ionescu during her memorable shootout with Stephen Curry. However, there won't be a rematch this year, as plans for an expanded event featuring WNBA stars fell through.
Looking back, only a select few have dominated this contest multiple times. Larry Bird and Craig Hodges each won three consecutive titles, and now Damian Lillard seeks to join this elite group. Lillard's back-to-back victories in 2023 and 2024 have already cemented his place in history, but winning a third title would solidify his legacy as one of the greatest three-point shooters in NBA history.
From the perspective of a sports journalist, the 3-Point Contest serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of pure shooting talent. It highlights not only individual skill but also the competitive spirit that drives players to excel. For fans, it offers a glimpse into the precision and focus required to succeed in professional basketball. As we anticipate this year's contest, it's clear that the NBA continues to celebrate and elevate the art of shooting, ensuring that this tradition remains a beloved highlight of the All-Star weekend.
The New York Giants, with an estimated $50 million in available salary cap space, are poised to make significant moves during this year's free agency period. Last year, the team was active but avoided mega contracts. However, this season could see a different strategy as they look to bolster their roster with high-profile talent. Among the players generating buzz are several top-tier free agents who could command substantial deals.
One of the key positions the Giants are eyeing is quarterback. Sam Darnold, currently with the Minnesota Vikings, stands out as a potential target. Darnold may be on the verge of securing a lucrative three-year, $120 million contract. Despite his lack of a big payday so far in the NFL, the allure of financial security might influence his decision. However, the Giants' recent experience with a costly quarterback deal may make them cautious about committing such a large sum again. Other teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are also likely to show interest, adding to the competition for Darnold's services.
On the defensive side, Osa Odighizuwa from the Dallas Cowboys presents an intriguing option. Predicted to earn over $20 million annually, Odighizuwa has demonstrated exceptional pass-rushing skills despite modest sack statistics. His ability to pressure quarterbacks makes him a valuable asset, especially for teams prioritizing durability and pass-rush prowess. The Giants, looking to strengthen their defensive line around All-Pro Dexter Lawrence, could find Odighizuwa appealing. Yet, given their numerous other needs, they might need to weigh the cost carefully.
Another area where the Giants seek reinforcement is in the secondary. Byron Murphy, a cornerback from the Minnesota Vikings, could fit the bill. Projected to receive a three-year, $50 million deal, Murphy has shown remarkable consistency with six interceptions in the past season. At 27 years old and with extensive starting experience, Murphy brings maturity and stability to a young defensive backfield. The Giants, having witnessed underperformance from Deonte Banks, could benefit greatly from Murphy's presence.
In this critical offseason, the Giants have the resources to pursue impactful free agents. By strategically allocating their cap space, they can address key areas of need while building a competitive roster. The decisions made now will shape the future of the team, highlighting the importance of thoughtful and deliberate choices in player acquisition.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has recently announced the recovery of almost $2 billion in funds that had gone astray within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This significant sum was identified shortly after HUD Secretary Scott Turner initiated a specialized task force to address financial discrepancies. The discovery highlights issues within administrative processes and underscores efforts to enhance fiscal responsibility. DOGE, collaborating with Secretary Turner, managed to reallocate these resources for alternative uses. Elon Musk, who heads the efficiency group, emphasized the potential savings from diligent oversight. Additionally, Turner highlighted his commitment to meticulous spending practices, especially in serving diverse communities across the country.
The revelation of misplaced funds occurred just one day after Secretary Scott Turner established a task force with DOGE to investigate financial irregularities at HUD. The amount in question—nearly $1.9 billion—was originally designated for financial service administration but became available for reallocation due to process inefficiencies. This substantial sum was found as part of an ongoing effort to streamline operations and ensure responsible use of taxpayer money. The collaboration between DOGE and HUD aimed to rectify procedural flaws and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Elon Musk, leading the cost-cutting initiative, expressed astonishment at the ease with which such large sums could be recovered through focused efforts. He shared details of the contracts involved, which were initially intended for mortgage services but were no longer necessary. These contracts, worth over $750 million and $836 million respectively, were earmarked for Carrington Mortgage Services and Selene Finance back in 2019. By identifying and de-obligating these funds, the team demonstrated the potential for significant financial savings without compromising essential services.
Scott Turner, a former NFL cornerback turned housing developer, assumed his role as HUD Secretary last week. His confirmation by the Senate marked a new era of stringent financial management at the agency. Turner emphasized the importance of detailed and deliberate spending, particularly in supporting tribal, rural, and urban communities. He also noted that under President Trump’s leadership, the focus would shift away from traditional practices towards more efficient and transparent governance. Prior to this major discovery, HUD had already identified $260 million in potential savings, signaling a proactive approach to eliminating waste and enhancing accountability.
This recovery exemplifies the effectiveness of cross-agency collaboration and rigorous financial oversight. With the reallocation of nearly $2 billion, the government can now direct these resources towards more pressing needs. Turner's commitment to identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, along with the support from DOGE and Musk, sets a precedent for improved fiscal management across federal agencies. The successful resolution of this issue highlights the importance of continuous scrutiny and reform in public administration.