
From the moment the game starts, every single point in basketball matters. There have been thousands of games where players have changed the score in the last second, which is one of the reasons why the game is so popular. A basketball scoring system at the game’s core makes things interesting, challenging, and fun.
In this article, we’re going to go into all the details of the basketball points system. We’ll explain how are points scored in basketball and what are the different ways to score in basketball. We’ll also touch upon how scoring affects the game’s strategy. Let’s start with the basics.
Overview of Basketball Scoring System
Basketball scoring rules have changed several times over the years, drastically affecting the game’s strategy. Let’s first examine the modern basketball point system, and then we can dive into its history.
Point System in Basketball
Rules on how to score basketball points are very straightforward. There are three types of points in basketball. They are:
- One Point Shots – One-point shots are made from free throws. When defense makes a foul, the player who was fouled has the right to free throws. Depending on the nature of the foul, the player can shoot one to three free throws. Each scored free throw is valued at 1 point.
- Two-point shots – Two-point shots are made during the game when players take a shot from anywhere inside the arc.
- Three-point shots – All successful shots made beyond the arc are counted as three-point shots.
Essentially, all field goals that are made can either be counted as two points or three-point shots. Whether we’re talking about layups, jump shots, or dunks, they are all counted equally.
Scoring System in Basketball – Evolution Throughout the Years
The original scoring system was extremely basic. All the points made by the player were counted as 1 point. The game was invented in 1891, and it was in 1893 that free throws were introduced. Both free throws and field goals were counted as 1 point. Then, in 1896, the rules were changed, and field goals started counting as two points.
The scoring basketball system changed once again in 1961, when the three-point shot was introduced. This final change had a massive effect on the game’s strategy. It shifted how modern basketball is played. Today, every point counts, keeping fans on the edge. It’s not just about the game. These points carry a lot of weight for people who are betting. So, a single point difference is enough for someone to win or lose the bet. That’s why beginners like betting a little bit of money, so their losses are not significant. Luckily, there are small deposit operators that permit wagering with only one dollar. You can find them here – https://icasinoreviews.co.nz/1-dollar-deposit-casinos/ – the list includes plenty of brands that offer the lowest minimum deposit you can find out there. Generally, finding a 1 dollar deposit casino can be a challenge, so use the site above to find reliable brands that offer such a low deposit option.

Scoring in Basketball at Different Levels of Play
The most popular leagues around the world are the NBA, NCAA, and Euroleague. Each of them has different rules that affect the end result. Euroleague players are known to play more aggressive defence, which leads to a lower score outcome. Additionally, both NCAA and Euroleague basketball matches are 40 minutes long, whereas NBA matches are 48 minutes long.
Furthermore, some of the best talent is in the NBA, and as such, NBA games have the highest scoring numbers.
There is one thing in common with all the leagues. Everyone is trying to go for the three-point shot as much as possible. Having a couple of players who can easily score three-point shots is an insane advantage over the opposing team.
In general, scoring trends show NCAA and Euroleague games ending in 80 points for the winning team. The NBA ones finish above 100 points for the winning team often.
Basketball Players With the Most Points in a Game
Wilt Chamberlain
April 18, 1972: Wilt Chamberlain stretches to save the ball from going out of bounds during Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Wilt remains the best when it comes to most points per game, as he has held the record multiple times. His highest scoring game was 100 points, but he also had multiple games with 78, 73, and 72 points. The 100-point game was in 1962 between Philadelphia and New York.
Kobe Bryant
August 24 was officially declared Kobe Bryant Day in Orange County.
Kobe’s record of 81 points was so memorable because it turned the game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors. Thanks to him, the Lakers had a massive comeback and managed to win that game.
Luka Doncic
Luka had an amazing game playing for the Dallas Mavericks against the Atlanta Hawks. The intense game finished off with the result 148-143.
David Thompson
David Thompson led Denver in scoring four times in a five-year span from 1976-81 and made three All-Star appearances.
Despite losing the game, David Thompson still managed to join the best of the best by scoring 73 basketball points in 1978. He still holds the record for the highest score in a quarter, reaching an impressive 32 points.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to score in basketball and its history, you’ll find more pleasure in watching the next game. As the game’s point system mechanics evolved over the years, it drastically affected trends and strategies used by the best coaches. Even though the rules aren’t changing, the game keeps evolving as creative coaches create new, effective strategies to lead their teams to the ultimate victory.