
In basketball, a five-point play is a rare occurrence where a single player scores five points in a single possession. This can happen when a player makes a three-pointer, gets fouled, and the opposing team gets called for a technical foul, resulting in two additional free throws. By this definition, there have only been a handful of five-point plays in the NBA, with some sources citing only two instances in the league's history. The concept of a five-point shot as a standalone scoring action does not currently exist in basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition of a 5-point play | When a single player scores five points on a single possession |
| Possibility of a 5-point play | Rare but possible |
| Instances of a 5-point play in the NBA | Only two recorded instances: Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003 |
| Possibility of a 6-point play | Theoretically possible if a player completes a 4-point play and is also flagrant-fouled |
| Possibility of a 7-point play | Possible if the shooter makes a three-pointer and is awarded two free throws due to an intentional foul |
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What You'll Learn

What constitutes a 5-point play
A 5-point play in basketball is a rare occurrence and is only considered as such when a single player scores five points in a single possession. This usually happens when a player makes a 3-pointer, gets fouled, and the team that fouled gets called for a technical, leading to a 5-point play as they receive the 3-pointer, the foul shot, and the technical shot.
A broader definition of a 5-point play is when a team scores five points in a single possession. This can happen when a team makes a 3 or 2, is fouled, misses the free throw, gets the rebound, and makes a 2 or 3, thus resulting in a 5-point possession.
There have only been two recorded instances of a 5-point play in the NBA. The first was by Dell Curry in 1995, and the second was by Kobe Bryant in 2003.
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Examples of 5-point plays
A 5-point play in basketball is when a single player scores five points on a single possession. This can only happen in tandem with technical or flagrant fouls. Here are some examples:
Dell Curry, 1995
Dell Curry of Charlotte was fouled by Minnesota guard J.R. Rider on a 3-pointer. Rider then got a technical foul for complaining, creating a five-point play for Charlotte.
Kobe Bryant, 2003
Jim Jackson fouls Bryant on a made three-pointer (+3). Jackson is assessed a technical foul. Bryant makes the technical free throw (+1) and then the free throw for the foul (+1).
Chris Paul and Ty Lawson
Chris Paul (Clippers) fouled Ty Lawson (Nuggets) while shooting a 3-pointer. Lawson made the 3-pointer and Paul received a technical foul, likely for cursing at the referee.
Carmelo Anthony and Jae Crowder
Carmelo Anthony commits a Flagrant One Foul on Jae Crowder, who makes both free throws (+2). A technical foul is called on NYK coach Derek Fisher, and Isaiah Thomas makes the free throw (+1). Jae Crowder then makes a jumper (+2).
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How to score 5 points in a single possession
While there is no single 5-point shot in basketball, there have been a few instances of players scoring 5 points in a single possession, also known as a 5-point play. Here are some ways in which this can be achieved:
The Traditional 5-Point Play
This involves a player scoring 3 points from a shot, getting fouled, and then the opposing team getting called for a technical foul. This results in the player gaining an extra free throw for the regular foul and one for the technical, adding up to a total of 5 points.
The Broad Definition of a 5-Point Play
Using a broader definition, a 5-point play can occur when a team scores any combination of points that total 5 in a single possession. This could involve a mix of regular baskets, foul shots, and technical or flagrant foul shots. For example, a player could score a 2-point basket, get fouled, and then the opposing team gets called for a technical foul. The player would then shoot 2 free throws for the regular foul and 1 for the technical, resulting in a total of 5 points.
Intentional Fouls
If a player makes a 3-pointer and is intentionally fouled, they could get two free throws instead of one, along with retaining possession. This could lead to a potential 5-point gain, or even more, depending on the subsequent plays.
Rebound and Score
Another scenario involves a player scoring a 3-pointer, getting fouled, missing the subsequent free throw, but then their team grabs the offensive rebound. If the player with the rebound then scores a 2-pointer, it results in a total of 5 points.
While achieving 5 points in a single possession is rare, these strategies outline potential ways to make it happen. Quick decision-making, accurate shooting, and capitalizing on foul opportunities are key factors in achieving this impressive feat.
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Rules around technical fouls
In basketball, a technical foul is any infraction of the rules that is penalised as a foul without involving physical contact between opposing players on the court, or a foul by a non-player. Technical fouls are considered more serious than personal fouls and can be assessed against players, coaches, bench personnel, the entire team, or even the crowd.
Technical fouls are called for a variety of reasons, including:
- Unsportsmanlike conduct, such as taunting opponents, using inappropriate language, or making obscene gestures.
- Delay of game, such as interfering with inbound passes or refusing to comply with official instructions.
- Equipment violations, such as a player entering the game with an untucked shirt or an illegal uniform.
- Coaches box violations or bench violations, such as coaches or players on the bench interfering with play or stepping onto the court improperly.
- Defensive 3-seconds.
- Having an incorrect number of players on the court when the ball becomes alive.
- Hanging on the basket ring or backboard, or shattering the backboard or rim of a goal.
- Participating in the game when not on the team's active list.
- Excessive celebration, such as hanging on the rim after a dunk or showboating after a play.
The consequences of technical fouls can be harsh and are meant to uphold the integrity of the game. They can range from free throws to ejections, and in some cases, fines. In the NBA, players and coaches are fined after receiving a certain number of technical fouls in a season, and further technicals can lead to game suspensions.
It's important to note that the rules for technical fouls may vary slightly between different basketball organisations and competitions, such as the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and FIBA. For example, in the NBA, players are allowed six personal fouls before being disqualified, and technical fouls do not count towards this total. On the other hand, in FIBA play, players foul out after five total fouls, including technical and personal fouls combined.
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The rarity of 5-point plays
A 5-point play in basketball is a rare occurrence and is usually the result of a combination of technical fouls and shots. The broader definition of a 5-point play is when a team or a single player scores five points in a single possession. This can happen when a player makes a 3-pointer, gets fouled, and the opposing team gets called for a technical foul, resulting in a 5-point play. This is because they would score the 3 points from the initial shot, plus the foul shot, and the technical shot.
There have only been a handful of instances of 5-point plays in the NBA, with some sources claiming only two occurrences in history: Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003. In Bryant's case, he made a 3-pointer, was fouled by Jim Jackson, and Jackson was then assessed a technical foul. Bryant scored the initial 3 points, plus an additional 2 points from the subsequent free throws, resulting in a 5-point play.
Another example of a 5-point play involves a combination of fouls and technicals. In this case, a player makes a 2 or 3-pointer, is fouled, misses the free throw, rebounds their own miss, and then makes another 2 or 3-pointer. This sequence results in a total of 5 points scored in a single possession. While this technically involves multiple 'plays', it can still be considered a 5-point play in a broader sense.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no 5-point shot in basketball, but there is a 5-point play.
A 5-point play is when a single player scores 5 points on a single possession.
A 5-point play can occur when a player makes a 3-point shot, gets fouled, and the team that fouled gets called for a technical.
Yes, there have been two recorded 5-point plays in the NBA: Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003.
Yes, it is possible to score more than 5 points on a single possession. In addition to the basic 5-point play, a player can be awarded additional free throws for various reasons, such as if the foul was intentional.











































