Image via Complex Original
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Where's the fun in knocking down a three-pointer and just jogging back to the other side of the court? There needs to be a little bit of stunting, right? While most guys live by that creed of keeping the showboating to a minimum, there are some players—a.k.a. the fun ones—who will do a little something extra to put that exclamation point on their made shot from downtown.
Usually, the three-point celebration incorporates some sort of twist on the hand gesture where you keep the middle, ring and pinky fingers extended while making a circle with your index and thumb. You know, the "okay" symbol. Sometimes, though, NBA players will add their own twist. It all depends on the player and the situation. And as you've probably seen...
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...Things don't always work out for the best. But as we celebrate the 35th birthday of one Quentin "Q-Rich" Richardson, we're taking time to honor those who know how to emote from long range. From Swaggy P's well-known "Three Goggles"to Carmelo Anthony's "Three to the Head," here are Post Three-Point Shot Celebrations, Ranked. Sorry, Steph.
13.Putting on the Championship Belt
Originator: Steve Novak
Steve Novak's Championship Belt celebration was cool…when he was actually on the Knicks. Now, it's seen as the Discount Double Check and people will probably think you're really lame for doing that. But wait until they hear that you are doing it because of Steve Novak and not the Super Bowl champ who sleeps next to Olivia Munn. Oh Lord! *Drake voice*
12.The “L”
Originator: Larry Johnson
Simple. If your first or last name doesn't start with the letter “L,” this celebration just isn't for you. But hey, it worked wonders for Larry Johnson once those Grandmama days were done.
11.Three Shotgun
Originator: Golden State Warriors
Pardon the appearance of Kentucky's Devin Booker, but even he acknowledges that he got the celebration from the Golden State Warriors. While fun to do when your favorite team knocks down a shot from long range, it's pretty suggestive on two accounts. It's a shotgun for one, and it kinda, sorta looks like you're jerking off your arm. Save yourself the time of explaining what you're actually doing and try something else.
10.Threes Translate in Any Language
Originator: Dirk Nowitzki
A three is a three is a three is a three. No matter what fingers you throw in the air, as long as you have three of them pointing towards the heavens, it all means the same thing. That is unless you're an American spy in a Tarantino movie pretending to be German.
9.You Can't See Me
Originator: DeShawn Stevenson
Maybe you see this as John Cena's thing, so it definitely loses some points there. Other than that, you need to make sure that you are in NBA Jam “He's On Fire” mode before you break this one out. Like Uncle Ben told young Peter Parker, “With great stunting comes great responsibility.” And you're responsible for hitting a few more shots if this is how you're going to act.
8.Three on the Ground
Originator: James Harden
It gets the point across, while also allowing you to run back to the other side of the court without getting too distracted in the middle of your celebration.
7.Antennas Up
Originator: Quentin Richardson/Darius Miles
Started by Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, the “Antennas Up” move was meant to signify to all competitors that “I'm on my game today.” Subtle in nature, the celebration let everyone know that they were in for a long night. By the way, can we bring this one back? Looking for you to drop it in the playoffs, Steph Curry.
6.Three Goggles
Originator: N/A
This may be a twist on the glasses hands you did while you were in middle school, so the celebration certainly lacks in originality. Yet, original or not, it's fun as hell. Toddlers and grown folks included.
5.Three to the Head
Originator: Carmelo Anthony
The “Three to the Head” has grown in popularity over the last few years, primarily due to Carmelo Anthony's use of the celebration. Last season, 'Melo was talking about a three-pointer. This season, he was probably just asking someone to off him given the state of the Knicks' roster.
4.Dialing Long Distance
Originator: Caron Butler
This one may be a little old school, but just standing around and taking a phone call—long distance, of course—is so epic that it deserves a high ranking on this list.
One suggestion, though: This generation doesn't understand why you would extend the pinky to make a phone call. Instead, pretend you're holding a phone in your hand and raise it in the air for a few seconds like you have no bars at the moment. They'll get that one.
3.Back in the Holster
Originator: Russell Westbrook
The sheer over-the-top-ness of this celebration is worth doing every time you accomplish something great. Oh, you bought the last pair of Jordans in your size? Walk out doing Westbrook's celebration. You got a hot girl's number and were extremely smooth about it? You know what to do. And make sure you add the strut for peak stunt points.
2.Give Praise to the 3 God
Originator: J.R. Smith
This is so ridiculous, but there comes a point in every basketball player's career where you need to thank the Three God for bestowing upon you the gift of a nothing-but-net heave from way downtown.
1.The Big Balls/Onions
Originator: Sam Cassell
The mere fact that doing this celebration could cause you to lose 15 stacks is a reason why this three-point celebration deserves to be atop spot on this list. It was banned from the NBA. Ball so hard motherf*ckers wanna fine me.
Some guys pass up the big shot, others have ONIONS. Bang home the game winner in your rec league and bop off the court letting the world you have marbles.