The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. As such, it is not surprising that its scoring system is quite complicated. One of the terms that is often used in the context of NBA scoring is the term “bonus.” This article will explain what bonus means in the context of NBA scoring.
What is the NBA Bonus?
The bonus in the NBA is a term used to describe a certain type of scoring that rewards a player for scoring more points than the opposing team. Specifically, when a team has scored more than 24 points than the opposing team in any quarter, the team is said to be in the bonus. In this case, the team is rewarded with free throws on every non-shooting foul committed by the opposing team. This is known as the one-and-one bonus, meaning that every free throw that is made is followed by a second free throw attempt.
How Does the Bonus Affect the Game?
The bonus can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, as it rewards teams for playing with a high level of intensity. In particular, it encourages teams to score as many points as possible in a quarter, as this will put them in the bonus and allow them to take advantage of the free throws. This can lead to a higher scoring game and a more exciting atmosphere.
Furthermore, the bonus can also be a way for teams to make up for lost points. For example, if a team is down by a considerable amount of points, they can score enough to get into the bonus and then make up some of the deficit with free throws. This can be an effective way to get back in the game, although it is not necessarily guaranteed to work.
What Other Rules Are Associated With the Bonus?
In addition to the one-and-one bonus, there are a few other rules associated with the bonus as well. First, when a team is in the bonus, they are not allowed to commit any offensive fouls. This means that any illegal contact or other infractions will result in a turnover. Secondly, the bonus does not reset until the end of the quarter. This means that if a team is in the bonus and then scores less than the opposing team, they will remain in the bonus for the remainder of the quarter.
Conclusion
The bonus is an important part of the NBA scoring system, as it rewards teams for playing with a high level of intensity and encourages them to score as many points as possible. It also allows teams to make up for lost points and can be a useful tool in getting back into a game. Finally, there are a few other rules associated with the bonus such as not being able to commit offensive fouls and the bonus not resetting until the end of the quarter. Understanding the bonus and how it works can help players and coaches to use it to their advantage.