The old fashion 3-point play or “And One” is one of the most exciting plays in basketball. Requiring strength, perseverance, and concentration, the “and one” is a testament to player skill and the quickest way to score the highest points possible.
Lebron James has the most “and ones” in NBA history, followed by Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan. All-time great scores like Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwight Howard are also at the top of the list. And for 4-point plays, Jamal Crawford and James Harden take the first two spots.
The rest of the article will explain what an “and one is, its different types, and players who excel at getting them in more detail.
NBA “And One” Stats
NBA “and one” stats can be tricky to find. Play-by-play stats went unrecorded until the year 2000, but by looking at the league leaders in FTA (free throw attempts), we can start piecing the story together.
Before you genuinely appreciate the league leaders in the stat, it helps to know precisely what an and one is.
An “And one” refers to a play in which a player is fouled while attempting a shot/field goal. The player receives one free throw attempt in addition to the points they scored. There are two kinds of “and ones”, a 3-point play and a 4-point play.
The 3-point play is the most common, but the most points an offensive player can make with an “and one” is 4 points. This play occurs when the player is fouled while attempting and completing a three-point shot.
League Leaders
It typically takes a capable scorer to rack up “and ones” consistently. Four-time MVP, Champion, and 2nd place all-time scorer Lebron James has the most “and ones’ in NBA history. Lebron has recorded more than 900 “and ones” and still counting as he remains one of the few active players on this list.
King James is followed closely by two prolific scores and championship-caliber retired professionals, Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan. They have recorded more than 800 “and ones, but their careers started before the stat began to be recorded, so they may have even more. The rest of the list features all-time great scores such as Kobe Bryant, Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, and Dwight Howard.
4-Point Play
The 4-point play can only occur while shooting a three-point shot and, as such, takes a different kind of scorer. Three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year and all-time great scorer Jamal Crawford leads the league in 4-point plays even after retirement, with 60 total recorded. The player with the second most 4-point plays is James Harden, another all-star-level scorer.
Final Thoughts
Even amongst highlight-defying plays like powerful dunks and clutch late-game three-pointers, the “and one” is still one of the most hype and fun moments to watch. So much so that the category is strictly dominated by All-time great players like Lebron James, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan.