MovieChat Forums > Semi-Pro (2008) Discussion > 3 Points

3 Points

posted 15 years ago by youcanthugyourchildrenwi
4 replies | jump to latest

Did they have a 3 point line in 1976?

Edit - Because Downtown-whatever-his-name made at least one during the matches.

[–] kArMa457 15 years ago

In the ABA they did however the NBA did not officially adopt the 3-point rule until 1979. After the ABA and NBA merged in 1976, the ABA ceased to exist and the NBA rules went unchanged until '79. So the movie is in fact accurate in this regard.

[–] Judger 15 years ago

This is true. They called hitting a 3 pointer "going downtown".
Larry Brown, who is more famous as an NBA couch, was nicknamed "Downtown Larry Brown" for his 3 point skills.

I was born in the house my father built

[–] nettesboy 14 years ago

Judger, are you nuts!? Larry Brown was NEVER known by that name.

Fred Brown of the Seattle Supersonics was known as "Downtown Freddie" Brown. His #32 was retired by the Sonics in 1986.

Move along! There's nothing to see here.

[–] jefgg 9 years ago

The three point shot became popularized by the ABA starting in 1967. Commissioner George Mikan stated the three pointer "would give the smaller player a chance to score and open up the defense to make the game more enjoyable for the fans." The ABA used the three point shot along with the slam dunk as a marketing tool to compete with the NBA. In 1979 the NBA adopted the three point shot despite the view of many that it was a gimmick. The sport's international governing body, FIBA, introduced the three point line in 1984 at a distance of 20.5 feet. NCAA conferences started to use three point shots in 1986. American high schools along with elementary and middle schools adopted a 19 foot 9 inch line nationally in 1987.