Why was basketball's three-point line introduced?

3-Point Line

The 3 point shot was introduced by the upstart ABL in 1961 (the league only survived a couple of years) and was brought back by the ABA in 1971 (along with the 30 second shot clock and the dunk) and adopted by the NBA after they merged in 1979-80.

The NCAA allowed the Southeast Conference to experiment with 3-pointers in 1980-81 and the rest of the College conferences followed suit within the next two seasons.

Answer

To increase scoring. Purists think the three point line is 'inimical' to the game. Theoretically the point of the game is to get as close to the basket as possible before shooting, but in the case of the three-pointer the team is actually rewarded for taking a shot FARTHER away. It does however make the defenders hustle out to guard point guards who then have an easier time penetrating.

Answer

THERE WAS NO 3 POINT LINE BEFORE THEY INVENTED IT FOR THE PURPOSE OF MORE POINTS. IT WAS MADE IN 1980.

 

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