Andrew Pace
Basketball is a game that uses points to determine the winner. Points are accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. Some players have gained recognition for their high scores, such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who held the record for the highest career points in the NBA for almost 39 years, and LeBron James, who is currently the NBA's leading scorer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How points are accumulated | Making field goals (2 or 3 points) or free throws (1 point) |
| Field goals within the three-point line | 2 points |
| Field goals beyond the three-point line | 3 points |
| Free throws after a foul during a field goal | Turns a 2-point play into a 3-point play or a 3-point play into a 4-point play |
| Leading scorer in NBA history | LeBron James |
| First player to eclipse 5,000 career points | Joe Fulks |
| First player to eclipse 10,000 career points | George Mikan |
| First player to eclipse 35,000 career points | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| Recent high-scoring game | Ja Morant scored 30 points |
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What You'll Learn
Field goals and free throws
In basketball, points are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated through field goals or free throws. Field goals are any shots taken from the court, whether they be layups, dunks or three-pointers. If a player makes a field goal from within the three-point line, they score two points. If they are fouled in the act of shooting, a made free throw turns it into a three-point play. If a player makes a field goal from beyond the three-point line, they score three points. If they are fouled during this action, a successful free throw will turn it into a four-point play.
The term "field" or "the basketball field" refers to the court, hence the name field goal. When coaches and announcers talk about high-percentage field goals, they are referring to layups and dunks, which have the highest probability of scoring. A player with good shooting skills will usually average about 40% from the field.
Free throws, on the other hand, are worth one point. When a free throw is awarded, an official will put the ball into play by delivering it to the shooter, who must be above the free-throw line and within the upper half of the free-throw area. The shooter must then attempt the free throw within 10 seconds of controlling the ball. If there is a violation and the free throw attempt is to remain in play, the opposing team will inbound on either sideline at the free-throw line. If both teams commit a violation, a jump ball will be administered at midcourt.
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Scoring leaders in the NBA
In basketball, points are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). The team with the most points by the end of the game wins.
As of March 30, 2025, LeBron James is the leading scorer in NBA history. Before him, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for 38 years, being the first player to eclipse 35,000 career points. Joe Fulks, George Mikan, and Ed Macauley also held the record for shorter periods of time.
As of 2024, the top NBA scorers include Luka Doncic, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
It's worth noting that these statistics only include points scored in regular-season games and do not account for points scored in playoff or championship games.
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How points decide the winning team
Points are used in basketball to keep track of the score and determine the winning team. The team with the most points at the end of a game is declared the winner. Points can be accumulated by making field goals or free throws. Field goals can be worth two or three points, depending on whether the player is shooting inside or outside the three-point line. If a player is fouled while making a field goal, they get to attempt a free throw, which is worth one point. If they make the free throw, the play becomes a three- or four-point play, depending on whether the original field goal was worth two or three points.
The strategy of accumulating points can vary depending on the situation and the players involved. For example, a team with a dominant center player may focus on feeding the ball to that player in the low post to take high-percentage shots close to the basket. On the other hand, a team with strong three-point shooters may focus on setting up those players for three-point attempts.
In addition to the starting five players, a basketball team typically has several substitutes who can be rotated into the game to provide rest for the starters or to bring in specific skills or match-ups. This allows for strategic adjustments throughout the game to optimize performance and maximize points.
While points are the primary factor in determining the winning team, other factors such as rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks can also contribute to a team's success. A well-rounded team with strong defensive and offensive capabilities is more likely to consistently accumulate points and win games.
Some players are known for their exceptional scoring abilities and have achieved remarkable career milestones. For example, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for the most career points in the NBA for nearly 39 years, becoming the first player to surpass 35,000 points. LeBron James is currently the leading scorer in NBA history and continues to add to his impressive career total.
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Top-scoring players in a single game
Points in basketball are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point). The team with the most points at the end of a game is the winner.
Wilt Chamberlain holds the record for the highest number of points scored by a single player in an NBA game. On 2 March 1962, Chamberlain scored 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169-147 win against the New York Knicks. Chamberlain scored 23 points in the first quarter, 41 in the first half, 28 in the third, and 31 in the fourth quarter, reaching a total of 100 points. He also added 25 rebounds and two assists while playing all 48 minutes.
Chamberlain's record has stood for over six decades, with only one player—Kobe Bryant in 2006—coming within 20 points of his mark. Bryant scored 81 points against the Raptors, one of the best performances in NBA history. Bryant is also the oldest player to score at least 60 points in a regular-season game, achieving this feat when he was 37 years old.
Only ten players have scored 60 or more points in a regular-season game on more than one occasion. These include Wilt Chamberlain (32 times), Kobe Bryant (6 times), Damian Lillard (5 times), Michael Jordan and James Harden (4 times each), and Elgin Baylor (3 times).
Some other notable players who have scored a high number of points in a single game include Luka Dončić, Devin Booker, Karl-Anthony Towns, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.
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Points scored in the NBA Draft
In basketball, points are used to keep track of the score in a game. Points can be accumulated by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point).
The NBA Draft is an annual event where eligible teams can select new players to join the league. The order of selection is determined by a lottery system, with the teams holding the worst records given higher odds of winning the lottery and getting to pick first. While the NBA Draft is not a competitive game where points are scored, the players selected can have a significant impact on a team's future performance and scoring ability.
For example, in the 2025 NBA Draft, scouts are keeping a close eye on Thomas Haugh, a 6-foot-9 prospect known for his shooting, passing, and off-ball plays. Another player generating buzz is Noa Essengue, who, at just 18 years old, has shown promise by contributing 10.7 points and 4.8 boards against professionals.
The NBA also keeps track of the all-time leading scorers in the league's history, with players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, and Joe Fulks holding notable records. These records are separate from the NBA Draft and are based on points scored in regular-season games over the course of a player's career.
While the NBA Draft itself is not a platform for players to score points, the selection process heavily involves evaluating a player's potential impact on a team's scoring and overall performance. Scouts and analysts pay close attention to a player's scoring abilities, such as three-point accuracy and shot-making, when determining their draft position and fit with a team.
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Frequently asked questions
Points are scored by making field goals (two or three points) or free throws (one point).
A field goal from within the three-point line scores two points. A field goal from beyond the three-point line scores three points. If a player is fouled in the act of shooting a field goal, they get one free throw, which turns it into a three- or four-point play, respectively.
A free throw is worth one point.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar held the record for the highest number of points scored in the NBA, with over 35,000 career points.
