shot clock

noun

a clock used in basketball games to limit to a specific length the time taken between shots.

Origin of shot clock

First recorded in 1980–85

Words Nearby shot clock

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use shot clock in a sentence

This version is played with a 12-second shot clock on a half court.
The Fast And Physical Basketball Debuting At The Olympics | Dorothy J. Gentry | July 21, 2021 | FiveThirtyEight
First, it’s helped shave precious seconds off the shot clock that could otherwise be used later in the possession, thus limiting Phoenix’s late-clock options.
Jrue Holiday’s Defense May Have Saved The Bucks’ Title Dreams | Jared Dubin | July 19, 2021 | FiveThirtyEight
What to know about the NBA’s play-in tournament and the 2021 playoffsWith the shot clock ticking down, James stepped into a deep three-pointer from the Staples Center logo that swished through.
With blurred vision but pinpoint accuracy, LeBron James buries late three to rescue Lakers | Ben Golliver, Des Bieler | May 20, 2021 | Washington Post
Led by two future Naismith Hall of Famers in Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, the team nicknamed “Phi Slama Jama” pioneered above-the-rim offense, bringing a modern twist to a game that still didn’t have a shot clock.
The Houston Cougars Haven’t Been This Good Since Phi Slama Jama | Santul Nerkar (santul.nerkar@abc.com) | March 1, 2021 | FiveThirtyEight
With the shot clock winding down, Hayes dribbled around a Funderburk screen and launched a desperation three-pointer from well behind the line as Huff, a 7-footer, closed out with his right hand trying to bother the shot.
Virginia, suddenly reeling, drops its third straight, this time at home to N.C. State | Gene Wang | February 25, 2021 | Washington Post

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