Yes, You Can Score 4 Points in One Play in Basketball
Scoring 4 points in a single possession is an electrifying, albeit rare feat in basketball. By connecting on a 3-point shot while being fouled, then sinking the resulting free throw, players can rack up a quick 4 points all on one trip down the court. While the stars need to align perfectly, this elusive "4-point play" shows off incredible shooting touch and grace under pressure.
Let‘s dive into the specifics of how to score 4 points on one play, crunching key stats on its frequency, re-living famous examples, and appreciating the remarkable skills required. This is every basketball fan‘s guide to the 4-point play.
Hit a 3 While Being Fouled, Then Make the Free Throw
The primary way a 4-point trip to the scorer‘s table happens is by:
- Shooting and making a 3-point field goal
- Simultaneously being fouled on that shot attempt
- Then stepping to the free throw line and sinking the 1 shot earned from the shooting foul
That sequence totals 3 points for the made 3-pointer, plus 1 point for the made free throw – for a grand total of 4 points all in one possession!
Rarity of the 4-Point Play
Statistically, 4-point plays occur just a few times per season across the entire NBA. During the 2021-22 season, there were only 15 confirmed 4-point plays, spread between 13 different players.
To put that in perspective, there were 1,230 total games and over 200,000 field goal attempts across the league! So in only 0.0075% of possessions did a 4-point trip to the scorer happen.
| Season | Frequency of 4-Point Plays |
|---|---|
| 2021-22 | 15 total in 1,230 games |
| 2020-21 | 22 total in 1,080 games |
| 2019-20 | 13 total in 858 games |
As the table shows, 4-point plays have happened just a few dozen times across thousands of NBA games in recent seasons. So while possible, they remain an exceptionally rare and relatively unrepeatable feat.
Famous Examples
Let‘s relive some of the most memorable 4-point play conversions:
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Reggie Miller – Known for playoff heroics, Miller hit a 4-point play against the Bulls in Game 1 of the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals. This shot keyed a furious Pacers comeback.
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Robert Horry – In the 2005 NBA Finals, Horry swished a 4-point play with under 30 seconds left, capping a 21 point quarter to seal the championship for the Spurs.
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Jamal Crawford – Crawford has converted 10 4-point plays in his career, the most in NBA history. His ability to hit off-balance 3s while drawing contact is unmatched.
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Stephen Curry – Curry‘s superhuman shooting skills have netted him a handful of 4-pointers, including a 20 point 4th quarter outburst against the Pelicans in 2015.
These players all have a knack for rising to the occasion. Their 4-point conversions require flawless timing, balance, touch, and concentration – all while opponents swarm them on the perimeter.
The Perfect Recipe: Shooting, Drawing Fouls, Clutch Gene
To score a 4-point bonanza, you need the Holy Trinity of basketball skills:
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Marksman 3-point shooting – Hitting 3s at a high clip from anywhere on the floor.
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Foul drawing talent – The ability to lean into defenders and get to the line frequently.
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Poise under pressure – Total focus to sink the free throw after hitting the 3 in traffic.
Very few possess this entire package. Historical greats like Reggie Miller, modern warriors like James Harden, and new faces like Trae Young have showcased the ability. But entering the 4-point play pantheon requires unmatched shooting, physicality, and concentration in one single athletic feat.
These rarest of plays bring crowds to their feet and cement legends. If you ever witness a 4-point conversion live, cherish the memory, you may not see another for a long time!