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While there are no 5-point shots in basketball, there is such a thing as a 5-point play. A 5-point play is when a single player scores five points on a single possession. This can only happen with the aid of technical or flagrant fouls. There have only been two 5-point plays in NBA history: Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003. Some people argue that 4 and 5-point shots are needed in basketball to increase excitement, give more players a chance to excel, and increase advertising revenue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of 5-point plays in NBA history | 2 |
| Players involved in 5-point plays | Dell Curry, Kobe Bryant, Kyrie Irving |
| Possibility of a 6-point play | Theoretically yes |
| Possibility of a 7-point play | Yes |
| Possibility of a 4-point play | Yes |
| Possibility of a 5-point possession | Yes |
| Possibility of a 66-point play | Theoretically yes |
| Need for 4 and 5-pointers | Increase excitement, skill sets, competitive balance, advertising revenue |
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What You'll Learn
Rare 5-point plays
A 5-point play in basketball is a broader definition of whenever a team scores five points in a single possession. There have only been two official 5-point plays in NBA history: Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003. A "5-point play" is a 4-point play plus a technical free throw shot by the person fouled on the three-pointer.
Kyrie Irving also made five consecutive points in 2017, but this does not count as a 5-point play. He was fouled by Westbrook on a made three-pointer, missed the free throw, caught his rebound, and made a two-pointer. This would be considered a 5-point possession, which is when a team makes a 3 or 2, is fouled, misses the free throw, gets the rebound, and makes a 2 or 3, thus scoring 5 points.
Another example of a 5-point possession is as follows:
- Carmelo Anthony commits a Flagrant One Foul on Jae Crowder, who makes both free throws (+2).
- A technical foul is called on NYK (on the coach Derek Fisher), and Isaiah Thomas makes the free throw (+1).
- Jae Crowder makes a jumper (+2).
A 6-point play would theoretically be possible if a player completes a 4-point play while also being flagrantly fouled (with the foul later deemed a flagrant 2). Brian Scalabrine is the only player to have achieved a 6-point play.
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Players who have scored 5-point plays
A 5-point play in basketball is a very rare occurrence and has happened only twice in NBA history. A 5-point play is achieved when a player makes a 4-point play and is also awarded a technical free throw, which is shot by the person fouled on the three-pointer.
The first player to achieve this feat was Dell Curry, playing for the Charlotte Hornets, in 1995. The second and only other player to score a 5-pointer in the NBA was Kobe Bryant in 2003. Bryant is also one of only ten players to have scored 60 or more points in a regular-season game on more than one occasion.
Kyrie Irving is also mentioned in relation to a 5-point play, but it is unclear if this was in an official NBA game or not.
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How to score 5 points in a single play
While it is rare, it is possible to score 5 points in a single play in basketball. This is known as a "5-point play". There have only been two recorded instances of this in the NBA, by Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003.
A 5-point play can be achieved when a player scores a 3-pointer, gets fouled, and the opposing team gets called for a technical, resulting in two additional points. This scenario is quite unlikely, but it demonstrates the strategic and skill aspects of the game, and how smaller, less athletic players can contribute to their team's success.
To score 5 points in a single play, a player must make a 3-pointer, which is a shot taken from beyond the arc surrounding the basket. While taking this shot, the player must draw a foul from the opposing team, which will grant them an additional free throw, worth one point. For the final point, the opposing team must be called for a technical foul, which can be given for unsportsmanlike conduct, such as excessive complaining or taunting. This technical foul will grant the player yet another free throw, resulting in a total of 5 points.
While it is challenging to execute, a successful 5-point play requires a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. It showcases the player's ability to make accurate shots, draw fouls, and capitalize on the mistakes of the opposing team. Additionally, it highlights the importance of mental fortitude, as the player must remain focused and composed under pressure to successfully execute the free throws.
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4-point plays
There is no standard 5-pointer in basketball, but a 5-point play can occur in rare instances when a player scores a 4-point play and is awarded a technical free throw. Only two such plays have occurred in the history of the NBA, by Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003.
A 4-point play in basketball is a rare occurrence where an offensive player shoots and scores a 3-point field goal while being fouled by a defensive player. This results in a shooting foul and one free throw attempt for the player, which, if successful, results in 4 points being scored in a single possession. The first 4-point play in NBA history was completed by Sam Smith of the Chicago Bulls on October 21, 1979, against the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 4-point play was first introduced by the short-lived American Basketball League and was later adopted by the American Basketball Association during its inaugural season. The NBA introduced the rule in 1979, followed by FIBA in 1984, the NCAA in 1986 for men and 1987 for women, the NHFS in 1987, and the WNBA in 1997.
Some notable 4-point plays include Dale Ellis, who was the first player to complete two 4-point plays in the same game on January 26, 1988, against the Sacramento Kings. Larry Johnson's 4-point play on May 28, 1999, decided Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals, as he tied the game with a 3-pointer and subsequent free throw with only 5.7 seconds remaining. James Jones completed two 4-point plays within eleven seconds of each other on April 29, 2009, a remarkable feat.
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The future of 5-point plays
A 5-point play in basketball is a rare occurrence and has only happened twice in the NBA, by Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003. A 5-point play can be achieved when a player scores a 3-pointer, gets fouled, and the opposing team gets called for a technical, resulting in a 5-point gain.
- Increased Skill Level and Competitive Balance: Basketball is a sport that caters to people of all sizes and skill sets. By introducing 5-point plays, the game would demand a higher level of skill and strategy, especially from smaller players who may not have the athletic ability to dominate close to the basket. This would create new skill sets, making the game more competitive and balanced, reducing the dominance of big, athletic players.
- Enhanced Excitement and Comeback Opportunities: Implementing 5-point plays would significantly increase excitement, particularly in the closing stages of a game. Teams trailing by a large margin would have a better chance of mounting a comeback with the potential for higher-scoring plays. No longer would a one- or two-possession game be considered out of reach, keeping fans engaged until the final whistle.
- Boost in Advertising Revenue: The introduction of 5-point plays could be a strategic move for the NBA from a business perspective. With closer games and heightened excitement, fans would be more inclined to stay tuned until the end, resulting in increased advertising revenue. More viewers watching the ads means more potential customers for advertisers, leading to higher advertising rates and overall revenue for the league.
- Preservation of Game Data Integrity: Embracing 5-point plays would help maintain the integrity of historical game statistics. By simply adding new scoring options, the NBA could avoid more drastic changes that would render past stats obsolete, such as raising the basket height or extending the court size.
While the concept of 5-point plays in basketball is intriguing, it is important to recognize that it may also have potential drawbacks. For instance, the game may become too focused on scoring, potentially neglecting the importance of defense. Additionally, the rarity of 5-point plays contributes to their excitement, and making them more common could diminish their appeal over time.
In conclusion, the future of 5-point plays in basketball remains a topic of debate. While some advocate for their introduction to increase competitiveness, excitement, and revenue, others may argue that it could disrupt the balance of the game and diminish the value of defensive play. Ultimately, any potential rule changes should be carefully considered by basketball governing bodies to ensure the sport's integrity and fairness while also exploring ways to enhance the fan experience and evolve the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A 5-pointer in basketball, or a 5-point play, is rare but possible. A 5-point play can occur when a player makes a 3-pointer, gets fouled, and the opposing team gets called for a technical, resulting in a total of 5 points. There have only been two official 5-point plays in NBA history, by Dell Curry in 1995 and Kobe Bryant in 2003.
A 5-point play in basketball refers to when a player scores five points in a single possession. This can occur through a combination of shots, fouls, and technical or flagrant fouls.
The introduction of 5-pointers in basketball is proposed as a way to increase excitement, competitiveness, and skill level in the sport. 5-pointers would give teams a better chance for a comeback, especially for underdog teams, and create more opportunities for smaller and less athletic players to excel. Additionally, 5-pointers could increase advertising revenues by keeping fans engaged until the end of close games.
