The Complete Guide to Scoring in Basketball
Yes, there certainly is a 1 point shot in basketball – the humble but crucial free throw. Before diving into all facets of putting points on the scoreboard, it‘s important to first understand the core ways to score in this beloved sport.
Overview of Basketball Scoring
When watching a basketball game, the basic ways to score points are:
- Free Throw: 1 point
- 2-Point Field Goal: 2 points
- 3-Point Field Goal: 3 points
No matter if you‘re watching the NBA Finals or kids shooting hoops in the driveway, those foundational point values stay the same. Now let‘s explore the intricacies and impact of each shot type.
Free Throws – 1 Point from the Charity Stripe
Free throws are awarded after certain types of fouls and infractions. The player goes to the free throw line (15 feet from the basket) and gets 1 shot for 2 or 3 possible points depending on the initial infraction.
Some key free throw facts:
- 1 free throw awarded for a technical foul
- 2 free throws awarded for a shooting foul or loose ball foul
- 3 free throws for a shooting foul on a 3-point attempt
Free throws seem simple, but require great skill and composure. The NBA league average free throw percentage during the 2021-22 season was 77.3% – so making 3 out of 4 is solid. The very best shoot over 90% from the line.
An interesting dynamic is that some players deliberately get fouled to stop the clock and get to the line when their team needs points late in a close game. Former NBA guard James Harden was known for frequent "foul drawing" to accumulate many free throw attempts.
The Value of the Free Throw
Free throws represent around 18-22% of total points in an NBA game. Big men like Shaquille O‘Neal were often intentionally fouled because of their weaker free throw shooting. This "Hack-a-Shaq" strategy shows the impact of 1 point shots.
On the flip side, legends like Dirk Nowitzki use the free throw line as a major weapon by drilling shots with their unique style. The ability to calmly drain free throws, especially when games are on the line, is a critical skill for impacting the scoreboard.
2-Point Shots – Jumping, Driving and Posting Up for Buckets
The most common type of made field goal is worth 2 points. This includes any shot from inside the 3-point arc around the basket, except free throws. Layups off drives, midrange jumpers, floaters in the lane, and post moves ending with a close shot are some examples.
During the 2021-22 NBA season, 57.8% of field goal attempts and 35.7% of total points came from 2-point range. While the flashy 3-pointer draws more attention, the humble 2-pointer is still the staple of high scorers.
Let‘s look at some 2-point shot leaders:
| 2021-22 NBA 2-Point Leaders | ||
|---|---|---|
| Player | 2-Pointers Made | 2-Point % |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 876 | 63.4% |
| LeBron James | 537 | 58.5% |
| Jayson Tatum | 505 | 52.3% |
Giannis was dominant inside the arc by combining size, length, and agility to get high percentage buckets. And LeBron continues to defy age by remaining lethal on drives and jumpers in the painted area inside the 3-point line.
Playing Styles Impact 2-Point Scoring
There are many ways to score inside the arc fitting different player strengths:
- Slashing guards use quickness and ball handling to drive to the rim for layups
- Shooting guards pull up for midrange jumpers off the dribble
- Forwards use length to finish over defenders with floaters and hooks
- Centers establish deep post position to power up close shots
Defenses try to force teams into lower percentage 2-point attempts. But gifted players have a knack for high success on inside shots of all kinds.
3-Point Shots – Firing Away from Downtown
Any shot scored from beyond the 3-point arc equates to 3 points. The scorer‘s feet must be completely behind the 3-point line which has a radius of 23 feet 9 inches in the NBA and closer in high school and youth leagues.
Long distance shots carry more risk, but also greater reward. A player scoring 50% on 3s accrues the same points as someone scoring 75% on 2-pointers. As a math geek and former investment analyst, I love the risk/reward tradeoff!
The Rise of the 3-Ball
When the NBA first introduced the 3-point line in 1979, it was seen as a gimmick. But it‘s prominence grew over decades as sharpshooting became an essential part of basketball strategy.
Just look at how frequently 3-pointers are shot today:
| NBA League-Wide 3-Point Attempt Rate |
|---|
| 2010-11: 22.2% of FG attempts |
| 2020-21: 39.9% of FG attempts |
And some teams like the Houston Rockets attempt over 50% of shots from 3-point range based on analytically optimal shot selection. Players like Steph Curry and Damian Lillard have stretched our ideas of just how far from the basket shots can be taken and made efficiently.
The 3-ball is here to stay as a crucial part of basketball offense at all levels. It spreads the floor, leads to higher scores, and gives underdogs a better chance against stronger teams. What was once a novelty is now a fundamental part of hoops strategy.
Scoring Milestones – From 50 Point Games to 100 and Beyond
While 20-30 point performances are strong outings, true basketball legends have scored way higher totals. Here are some epic individual scoring milestones:
- 50+ points: Scored by fewer than 200 NBA players ever, with greats like MJ, Kobe and Harden doing it dozens of times.
- 60+ points: Rare feat demonstrating unstoppable offense. Iconic 60+ games include Kobe‘s final performance and Lillard‘s 50 foot buzzer beater.
- 70+ points: Only accomplished by a handful of players. Includes Kobe‘s career-high 81 points and Devin Booker‘s 70 point outburst.
- 100 points: The holy grail of scoring only achieved once in NBA history by Wilt Chamberlain. Plenty of lesser known players have crossed the century mark in high school and college.
The 100 point barrier likely stands forever as players don‘t take nearly enough shot volume today. But we should never say never when it comes to historic basketball accomplishments!
Key Takeaways on Basketball Scoring
After reviewing all aspects of putting up points on the scoreboard, here are some of my big takeaways:
- Mastering free throws, close range shots, and 3-pointers are key to individual scoring prowess
- Understanding shot values allows you to calculate points and follow game action
- Balanced team scoring with varied shot types is tougher to defend
- Points scored doesn‘t always indicate the most valuable player. Shooting efficiency and defensive performance also matter.
- Hopefully you now have a strong grasp of basketball scoring essentials to enhance your hoops IQ!
Let me know if you have any other basketball questions, I‘m always happy to chat hoops!