Andrew Pace
In basketball, a four-point play is a rare occurrence when an offensive player makes a three-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player, resulting in a free throw attempt. The four-point field goal, or four-pointer, is a shot made from a designated area beyond the three-point line, typically around 27 to 30 feet from the basket. While the concept of a four-pointer is not new, with the Harlem Globetrotters first introducing it in competition, its potential inclusion in leagues like the NBA and PBA has sparked debates among players, coaches, and fans. Some argue that it would change the geometry of the game and encourage more players to shoot from long range, while others view it as an exciting challenge that could revolutionize offensive and defensive strategies.
Is there a 4-pointer in basketball?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Four-point play | A three-point field goal made while being fouled by a defensive player, resulting in a shooting foul and a free throw attempt |
| Four-point field goal | A shot made from a designated area, typically further from the basket than the three-point line |
| First introduction | By the Harlem Globetrotters; later adopted by the American Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1979 |
| Current usage | The PBA will implement a four-point shot from 27 feet away starting in the Governors' Cup of the 49th season; previously featured in the WNBA All-Star game in 2022 and 2023 |
| Impact | Potential shift in offensive approach and game strategy; may change the "math game" within basketball |
| Player perspective | Steph Curry opposes the idea, believing it would change the geometry of the game and encourage more players to shoot from long range |
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What You'll Learn
Four-point plays are already a thing
Four-point plays are already a feature of basketball, although they are relatively rare. They occur when an offensive player shoots and scores a three-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player. This results in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt, or a two-point field goal and two free throws if the foul is intentional or flagrant. If the player makes their free throws, they will have scored four points on a single possession.
The first four-point play in the NBA was completed by Sam Smith of the Chicago Bulls in 1979. The first player to complete two four-point plays in a single game was Dale Ellis, in a game against the Sacramento Kings in 1988. Perhaps the most famous example of a four-point play came in Game 3 of the 1999 Eastern Conference Finals, when Larry Johnson of the New York Knicks tied the game with a three-pointer while drawing a foul, before making the subsequent free throw to give his team the lead in a series they would go on to win.
The introduction of a four-point shot, where a player scores four points by making a basket from a designated area of the court, is a more recent development. The first official four-point shot was registered in the Philippines' basketball league, and it has since been featured in All-Star games in the WNBA and PBA. The PBA became the first league to implement the four-point shot in competitive play during the 49th season's Governors' Cup.
The four-point shot has proven to be a divisive topic among basketball fans and players, with some expressing doubts about its necessity and potential impact on the flow of the game. Others, such as Coach Charles Tiu, believe it will lead to a shift in offensive strategies and create new challenges for teams.
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Four-point shots are being introduced in the PBA
The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is set to introduce a four-point shot for its regular-season and playoff games, starting in its 49th season in 2024-25. The shot will be implemented from 27 feet away during the Governors' Cup of the 49th season, marking the first time the shot will be used in competitive play within the league.
The introduction of the four-point shot in the PBA has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some questioning its necessity and long-term effectiveness. However, it has already been featured in other leagues, including the WNBA All-Star game in 2022 and 2023, as well as two consecutive PBA All-Star games.
Coaches and experts have shared differing opinions on the impact of the four-point shot. Some believe it will significantly change the offensive approach and the underlying math of the game, potentially influencing strategies for fouling and possession management. Others argue that it may not drastically alter the pace or turn the game into high-scoring affairs, as teams will still tailor their shot selection based on personnel and spacing considerations.
The four-point shot presents an intriguing challenge for players and coaches, encouraging innovation in offensive and defensive schemes. It remains to be seen whether teams will actively seek out these shots or reserve them for specific situations within the flow of the offense. The PBA's implementation of the four-point shot adds a new dynamic to the game, and its impact on the league's competitive landscape will be closely monitored by fans, players, and analysts alike.
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Steph Curry opposes the idea of four-point shots
While Steph Curry is known for his exceptional ability to make three-pointers, he has expressed strong opposition to the idea of introducing a four-point shot in basketball. Curry acknowledges that a four-point line could benefit him personally, as he already takes shots from well beyond the three-point line. However, he believes that implementing a four-point shot would significantly alter the geometry of the game.
In his statement, Curry mentions how a four-point shot would encourage players who lack shooting proficiency to attempt shots from even greater distances. This could potentially lead to a shift in the offensive and defensive strategies employed by teams, as they adapt to the new scoring option. While some coaches and analysts welcome the potential innovation, others remain cautious about its impact on the traditional flow of the game.
The introduction of a four-point shot raises questions about the practicality of such a rule change. While it may create new challenges and motivate players to pioneer this rule change, there are concerns about its effectiveness in competitive play. The Philippines' basketball league, PBA, has already implemented a four-point shot from 27 feet away, and other leagues have experimented with it in All-Star games. However, the introduction of a four-point shot in the NBA or other major leagues is still a subject of debate.
Curry's opposition to the four-point shot is not an isolated incident. He has also addressed the controversy surrounding the notion that three-point shots are "ruining" basketball. Curry, who holds numerous records for three-pointers made, has shown support for the play while emphasizing the importance of players putting in the necessary work to master the skill. While some critics argue that three-pointers decrease the physicality and excitement of the game, Curry's perspective highlights the dedication and practice required to excel in this aspect of the sport.
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Four-point shots could change the game's geometry
The four-point shot is an idea that has been floated in basketball for some time, with leagues such as the WNBA All-Star game featuring it in 2022, and the PBA using it in two consecutive All-Star games. However, the PBA will be the first to implement it in competitive play, which has sparked debate about its potential impact on the game.
The introduction of a four-point shot will undoubtedly change the geometry of the game. The PBA will implement the shot from 27 feet away, which will drastically change the math within basketball. While it may not turn the game into a high-scoring affair, it will impact shot selection and spacing. Teams and players will have to decide whether to go for the four-point shot or stick with traditional shots, weighing the value of the shot with its lower accuracy.
Some believe that the four-point shot will lead to a shift in offensive and defensive strategies. For instance, a four-point lead at the end of the game is no longer safe as it is just a one-possession game, so fouling becomes a more viable strategy to prevent a potential game-tying shot. This could result in more aggressive play and a focus on disrupting the opposing team's rhythm.
Additionally, the four-point shot may favour certain players with exceptional long-range shooting abilities, such as Steph, Dame, and Trae Young, who could revolutionize the game from 27 feet away. However, there are concerns that the four-point shot could make the game ugly, with players practicing and mastering these long-range shots, potentially reducing the variety of shots and strategies used.
Overall, the four-point shot has the potential to change the geometry of basketball by impacting shot selection, offensive and defensive strategies, and favouring specific players with long-range shooting skills. While there are concerns about its impact on the flow and aesthetics of the game, the true effects will only be known once it is implemented and data is collected over time.
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Four-point shots might not be practical
Secondly, the practicality of attempting shots from the four-point line is questionable. The average three-point percentage in the past Philippine Cup was 32.7% in 30.6 attempts, indicating that teams may struggle to consistently make four-point shots. It remains uncertain whether players can accurately shoot from the four-point line and if the potential benefits outweigh the risks of lower-percentage shots.
Thirdly, the introduction of a four-point shot could impact the pace and scoring dynamics of the game. While it may not turn basketball into a high-scoring sprint, as suggested by analytics guru Ryan Alba, it could still alter the strategic calculations within the game. Teams would need to decide between attempting lower-percentage four-point shots or sticking with traditional, higher-percentage shots.
Lastly, the inclusion of a four-point shot could lead to mixed reactions from fans and players. While some may embrace the innovation, others may view it as unnecessary or detrimental to the traditional flow of the game. Social media reactions to the four-point shot in the PBA league, for example, were largely mixed, with many expressing doubts about its long-term effectiveness and necessity. Therefore, while the four-point shot has the potential to revolutionize basketball, it also presents practical challenges and uncertainties that need to be carefully considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a four-point shot exists in basketball. The four-point shot was first introduced by the Harlem Globetrotters and was located 30 feet away from the basket. The Philippines’ basketball league was the first to register a 4-point shot. The WNBA All-Star game in 2022 also featured a four-point shot.
A four-point shot is a field goal made from a designated area on the basketball court, typically further from the basket than the line for a three-point field goal.
A four-point play is when an offensive player shoots and makes a three-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player. This results in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt, or a two-point field goal and the player is awarded two free throws. If the player makes their free throws, they score four points in a single possession.
Some people are excited about the four-point shot, while others are more cautious. Steph Curry, for example, opposes the idea, saying that it would "change too much of the geometry of the game".
