Three-point field goal

In basketball, a three-point field goal, three-pointer, three-point shot, or simply three is a field goal made from beyond the three point line, a designated semi-ellipsoid arc radiating from the basket. A successful attempt is worth three points, in contrast to the two points given for shots made inside the three point line.

History

Although the three-pointer was first introduced by the short-lived American Basketball League in 1961, it became popularized by the ABA after its introduction in 1968. During the 1970s, the ABA would use the three-pointer, along with the dunk, as a marketing tool to compete against the NBA. In the 1979-1980 season, the NBA officially adopted the three-pointer. On October 12,1979 Celtics guard, Chris Ford, hits the NBA's first three pointer.

Related Topics:
American Basketball League - ABA - Dunk - Marketing tool - NBA

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During two seasons from 1994-1996, the NBA combated decreased scoring (due to tougher style defenses) by decreasing the overall distance of the line to a uniform 22 feet around the basket. Dennis Scott (Magic) used this rules change to set a record for most three-pointers in a season: 267 in 1995-96. Following the 1996-97 season and onward, the line was reverted back to its original distance. With the legalization of zone defense in the early 2000s, the three-pointer became more important due to its ability to stretch out a zone.

Related Topics:
Dennis Scott - Magic - Zone defense

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Famous three-pointers throughout basketball history include:

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1) Pacers' Reggie Miller scoring consecutive three-pointers to beat the Knicks in the waning seconds of Game 1 of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. As of 2005, Miller holds the NBA 3-point field goal record, with 2,560 career 3-pointers.

Related Topics:
Pacers - Reggie Miller - As of 2005

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2) Bulls' John Paxson hitting a three to defeat the Suns in the deciding Game 6 of the 1993 Finals. This is currently the only three to "clinch the deal" and win a championship.

Related Topics:
Bulls - John Paxson

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3) Lakers' Robert Horry hitting a three at the buzzer in Game 4 of the 2002 Western Conference Finals vs the Sacramento Kings to tie the series at 2-2. The Lakers would eventually go on to win the champsionship.

Related Topics:
Lakers - Robert Horry - Sacramento Kings

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Perhaps one reason for the three-pointer's popularity is the colorful calls made by sports broadcasters. Normal calls will be along the lines of "X pulls up for three!" or "X for three!" Synonyms are "X from downtown!", "X buries a dagger!", "X dials long distance!" and "X nails a trifecta!"

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