In
basketball, a four-point play is the rare occasion when an offensive player shoots and makes a
three-point field goal while simultaneously being fouled by a defensive player, resulting in a
shooting foul and one
free throw attempt, or a two-point field goal and is intentionally or flagrantly fouled on the shot and is awarded two free throws. If the player makes their free throws, they will have scored four points on a single possession.[1] The short-lived
American Basketball League first introduced the four-point play to the game of basketball, and it was later adopted by the
American Basketball Association during its inaugural season.[2] The
National Basketball Association (NBA) introduced that rule in 1979;
FIBA in 1984; the
NCAA in 1986 (men only) and 1987 (women); the
NHFS in 1987; and the
WNBA in 1997.
Sam Smith of the
Chicago Bulls completed the first four-point play in NBA history on October 21, 1979, in a game against the
Milwaukee Bucks.[3]Dale Ellis was the first player in NBA history to complete two four-point plays in the same game when he did so in a win against the
Sacramento Kings on January 26, 1988.[4] On April 29, 2009,
James Jones completed two four-point plays in a span of eleven seconds.[5]
The
Harlem Globetrotters also have a
four-point field goal, with a line 30 feet from the basket as of December 2016. Previously, the Globetrotters also had a four-point circle, used since 2010.[6] The
Big3 is the only professional league with a four-point field goal.[7] The NBA career leader in four point plays is currently
James Harden.[8]
