Some of these shots span the length of an entire basketball court!
Even after the NBA's clear emphasis on three-point shooting, long-range shots are far less common than one might imagine. The record for the most half-court shots made in an NBA season stands at 13, highlighting the rarity of such attempts. Limited opportunities to launch these shots contribute to their infrequency. Moreover, attempting and missing long-distance shots often lowers a player's three-point shooting percentage. Consequently, many players strive to avoid taking such low-probability shots. However, throughout NBA history, there have been numerous instances of successful long-range shots finding their mark.
Baron Davis scripted NBA history with a jaw-dropping feat while playing for the Charlotte Hornets in 2001. In a breathtaking display of skill and precision, Davis unleashed a miraculous shot from a staggering distance of 89 feet, sending the ball sailing through the net at the end of the third quarter. To put the enormity of his achievement into perspective, consider that a standard basketball court measures 91.86 feet in length. Davis's remarkable shot left spectators in awe, as he executed it with mere seconds remaining on the clock, leaving him with just 0.7 seconds to unleash the historic attempt.
Norm Van Lier's astounding long-range shot for the Chicago Bulls in 1977 stands as an example of the rarity of such feats in NBA history. Facing off against the San Antonio Spurs, Van Lier launched a remarkable 84-foot shot, falling just shy of Davis's record-breaking mark. Van Lier's shot, although not surpassing Davis's, underscores the extraordinary circumstances required for such a monumental feat. Even with a distance of 84 feet, Van Lier's shot remains an incredible and unlikely occurrence in basketball.
Considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, LeBron James demonstrated his tremendous strength and athleticism in the 2007 NBA Finals with an 84-foot jumper. James fired a thundering shot that nailed the target with startling accuracy in a show of pure force. James didn't have a reputation for being a great three-point shooter, but his incredible feat of power and accuracy will always be remembered in basketball history. James's shot, which was made with one second left on the clock, is a prime example of the NBA's finest players' exceptional ability and talent.
Vince Carter, a seasoned veteran in the NBA, defied the odds with an extraordinary 82-foot shot for the Memphis Grizzlies in 2016. Despite being well past his prime, Carter showed his unbelievable strength and skill with a shot that defied expectations. Executing the shot with marksman accuracy, Carter's display of athleticism and determination serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy in the NBA. At the age of 39, Carter's fantastic feat stands as proof of his unparalleled talent and dedication to the game.
(Vince Carter in his last season playing for the Hawks)
While not an NBA shot, Bruce Morris's brilliant feat deserves recognition on any list of extraordinary long-range shots. Playing for Marshall University in 1985, Morris set a record for the deepest official three-pointer on record, matching the distance of Baron Davis's historic shot. Morris's achievement remains unparalleled in NCAA history, highlighting the remarkable skill and precision required to execute such a feat. With only one other player matching this incredible distance, Morris's shot stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and determination on the basketball court.
One thing is clear, the reason for the rarity of these shots is due to the unlikeliness of making them. However, sometimes a player nails these shots because their skills are a tune with their luck.
