1994scoring
Shortened Three-Point Line
The Rule Change
The NBA moved the three-point line to a uniform 22 feet for three seasons (1994-97), eliminating the corner three differential. This was partly an attempt to boost scoring during a low-offense era.
Statistical Impact
Three-point attempts surged from 9.9 to 15.3 per game. Shooting percentages also rose. When the line was moved back to 23'9" in 1997, the habit of shooting threes persisted even though percentages dipped. This experiment proved the three-pointer was here to stay.
3-Year Average: Before vs. After
| Stat | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 105.6 | 100.8 | -4.8 |
| Pace | 97.1 | 93.3 | -3.8 |
| 3PA | 7.9 | 13.7 | +5.8 |
| FTA | 27.4 | 26.7 | -0.7 |
| FG% | 47.3 | 46.5 | -0.8 |