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You might hear NBA pundits state that a player took a shot from “downtown” at the basket, but what exactly does this mean, and what does the phrase “downtown” signify in basketball? Some basketball shots are easier to recognize than others.
Why Do Commentators Use the Term From Way Downtown In NBA Games And Its Meaning
In games, the slam dunk, three-pointer, and free throw are the most common, with teams scoring over 100 points on a good day and less on a bad.
However, every now and then, a player will take a shot and the announcer will remark something along the lines of, “Steph Curry from downtown for the Warriors…”
What does “downtown” imply in the NBA, and why do basketball commentators use it?
In The NBA, What Does Downtown Mean?
An NBA court is 94 feet long by 50 feet broad, with a 4,500-square-foot playing area. The three-pointer line extends roughly halfway to the mid-court centre line, dividing the court evenly.
The majority of shots at the basket in the NBA are made from inside the three-point line, but every now and then someone will try to score from inside the opponent’s half but outside the line.
The NBA refers to the area between the three-point line and mid-court as downtown, which is why basketball commentators use it. It’s basically just a fancy word for a long shot at the hoop.
In The NBA, What Does “From Way Downtown” Mean?
When a player attempts a 3-pointer from beyond the 24-foot range, it is referred to as “from way downtown.” Stephen Curry, the finest shooter in NBA history, frequently shoots “far downtown” (about 30 feet) since it is as easy for him as a free throw for other NBA players!
Is It Worth How Many Points?
Although a three-pointer made from ‘Downtown’ is longer than a standard three-pointer, it is worth no extra points. In the NBA, a successful shot from ‘Downtown’ adds three points to the team’s total.