Dunks and Threes, the Yin and Yang of Basketball
34Though it is taken for granted in today’s game, the three point shot didn’t always exist. In the NBA, prior to 1979 all field goals, no matter where a player shot from, were worth 2 points.
The rule change came about during a period when big men dominated and the NBA was being criticised for slowness of play. It was the American Basketball League and not the NBA who pioneered the rule change that, shots taken from a distance of 25 feet or more from the basket (except along the sideline), would be worth 3 points.
The ABL didn’t last long but other leagues soon adopted the rule, with it being popularised in the American Basketball Association the ABA, who used the 3 point shot and dunks as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA. Chris Ford of the Boston Celtics scored the first 3-point field goal in NBA history, on October 12, 1979 against the Houston Rockets. FIBA, the international governing body, introduced the three-point line in 1984.
This topic and more is covered in a recent rebroadcast of an episode of the 99% Invisible podcast, The Yin and Yang of Basketball. 99% Invisible is a podcast about Design, in the broadest sense, and the episode explores the reasons and decisions that led to rule changes like the 3-point shot and the banning of the dunk.
Well I didn’t have enough! And that’s where I made my big mistake. The boys began tackling, kicking and punching in the clinches. They ended up in a free-for-all in the middle of the gym floor!
Dr James Naismith, who invented Basketball in 1891, in response to being asked what rules he had for his new game.
It’s an entertaining and fascinating podcast in general but I’d definitely recommend this episode to those interested in Basketball history and anyone in the Somerset Basketball community.
They called it the ABA […] and the league they put together was totally gimmicky. They were trying everything to get fans reengaged in the game […] one half-time show in Indiana involved a wrestling bear called victor!
This episode of 99% Invisible is part of a mini-series by ESPN called Dunkumentaries. The other episodes are also worth a listen; they include stories about the original Reebok Pump, the first dunk in Women’s NCAA Basketball, Vince Carter’s dunk contest for the ages and the future of dunking.
If you are looking for even more Basketball podcasts, I’ve also enjoyed listening to The Lowe Post by ESPN writer Zach Lowe, who interviews people from around the NBA such as players, writers and commentators. Some of his recent guests have included Jeff Van-Gundy, Mike Conley Jr., Doris Burke, Bob Myers and David Griffin. Great stuff if you enjoy the NBA!