A “three-point shot” is a basketball shot made from beyond the three-point line, a special arc on the court. When the ball goes in, the team gets three points instead of the usual two.
In everyday talk, fans and players simply say “he hit a three” or “she drained a three-pointer.” You’ll hear it during pickup games at the park, in NBA highlight reels on YouTube, or when friends argue over who can shoot farther. It’s also common in fantasy-league chats and sports betting slips, where every extra point can swing the outcome.
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “Curry knocked down a deep three-point shot with two seconds left.”
- “We were down by one, so I pulled up for the three and it swished.”
- “He’s 5-for-6 from three-point range tonight—red hot!”
Context / Common Use
The three-point shot changed modern basketball. Coaches design plays to free shooters behind the arc, and defenses scramble to close out. In daily life, even casual fans celebrate a lucky three-pointer in a video game or mimic the long-range heave on a driveway hoop.
How far is the three-point line?
In the NBA it’s 23.75 feet at the top; college and high-school lines are closer, around 20–22 feet.
Can a three-point shot ever count for only two points?
Yes. If a player’s foot is on the line or steps inside before the release, it’s ruled a two-point basket.
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