The NBA 3-pointer has become one of the most important shots in basketball today. Teams rely on it to get back into games and create momentum, and great shooters are widely celebrated for their ability to hit from deep. But how far away is a 3-pointer in the NBA?
Overview of the 3-point Line
The 3-point line was introduced to the NBA in the 1979-1980 season. It was adopted from the American Basketball Association (ABA), where it had been used since 1967. Since then, the NBA has seen a dramatic increase in 3-point attempts, with the number of 3-pointers attempted per game increasing from an average of 4.5 in the 1980-1981 season to 24.1 in the 2018-2019 season. The 3-point line is an important part of the modern game and has caused teams to adjust their strategies to take advantage of it.
The Distance From the Basket
The 3-point line is 22 feet from the basket at the top of the key and 23.75 feet away from the basket at the corners. The distance from the basket is measured from a point directly below the rim. This means that the 3-point line is farther away from the basket than the free-throw line, which is 15 feet from the basket at the top of the key.
The Shape of the Line
The 3-point line is not a straight line, but rather a curved arc that extends around the court. The line is parallel to the free-throw line and is the same distance from the basket at the top of the key as it is at the corners. This is to ensure that shooters are not able to take advantage of a shorter distance from the basket at any point on the court.
The Impact on the Game
The 3-point line has had a profound impact on the game of basketball. Teams have adjusted their strategies to take advantage of the 3-point line, and players have developed their shooting abilities to make the most of the extra point. Players who are able to make shots from deep are highly valued, and are often the difference makers in close games.
Conclusion
The 3-point line is a crucial part of the modern game of basketball. It has changed how teams play and how players develop their shooting abilities. The 3-point line is 22 feet from the basket at the top of the key and 23.75 feet away from the basket at the corners. The 3-point line has impacted the game in a big way, and great shooters are widely celebrated for their ability to hit from deep.