shot clock

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of shot clock¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Davis, who scored 40 points, worked from the block with Wembanyama on his hip and the shot clock running down, only to find a cutting LeBron James for a layup that helped ice the win.

From Los Angeles Times

It rattled in just as the shot clock expired and the crowd roared.

From Los Angeles Times

Three-on-three basketball games, played with a 12-second shot clock on a half court, last just 10 minutes and field goals count for only one point, two points if they come from behind a 22-foot arc.

From Los Angeles Times

She explained that was when a player gets the ball with just a few ticks left on the shot clock.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s six seconds fewer on the shot clock.

From Los Angeles Times