What is points (pts) in basketball?
Points are the total score a player contributes, counting two for a field goal inside the arc, three for a field goal behind the arc, and one for each made free throw.
PTS = (2 × 2PM) + (3 × 3PM) + FTM
How points is recorded
Every made shot is recorded with its location relative to the three-point line, and free throws are logged individually. The running total is the player's points for that game.
Worked example from a box score
A box score line of 5-11 FG, 2-4 3PT, 3-4 FT is 15 points: three two-pointers (6) plus two threes (6) plus three free throws (3).
What a good points looks like at youth level
At youth and middle-school level, 8–12 points a game is a solid contributor and 15+ is usually a team's primary scorer. Judge the number against minutes played and shot attempts, not on its own.
Why it matters for a youth athlete
Points are the most visible stat but the least complete on their own. Read them next to shooting efficiency — 18 points on 20 shots is a very different game from 18 points on 9 shots.
PROSCORE logs points inside the basketball season record and keeps it attached to your athlete — free for families.
Related terms
PROSCORE tracks every one of these automatically and keeps them attached to your athlete's season — free for families.