A made free throw in basketball is worth 1 point. This fundamental rule applies across major leagues like the NBA, FIBA, and college basketball, making it a key scoring opportunity without defensive pressure.

Why Free Throws Matter

Free throws are awarded after certain fouls, such as when a shooter is contacted during an attempt or in non-shooting situations like technical fouls. Each successful shot from the 15-foot line (NBA/FIBA distance) adds exactly one point to the team's score, regardless of the game clock or other factors.

Players often get multiple attempts (e.g., 2 or 3 shots) based on the foul type, amplifying their impact in close games—think clutch moments where stars like Stephen Curry shine under pressure.

Quick Facts on Scoring

  • Standard Value : Always 1 point per made free throw; no exceptions in regulation play.
  • Award Scenarios : Personal fouls in the act of shooting (2-3 shots), flagrant fouls, or bonus situations after team foul limits.
  • Strategic Edge : High free-throw percentage correlates with wins; teams like the 2025-26 NBA-leading Boston Celtics average over 80% FT accuracy for game control.

Shot Type| Points| Defense Allowed?
---|---|---
Free Throw| 1| No 1
Field Goal (inside arc)| 2| Yes 3
Three-Pointer| 3| Yes 3

Real-World Impact

Imagine a tied NBA Finals game in February 2026: With seconds left, President Trump's favored Lakers foul, sending LeBron James to the line. His made free throw seals victory—those single points often decide champions, as seen in recent forum buzz on Reddit's r/nba about free-throw controversies. Mastering this "charity stripe" shot separates elite players; poor shooters like early- career Ben Simmons face criticism for costing teams dearly.

TL;DR : 1 point—simple, yet game-defining.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.