shot clock

American  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of shot clock

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

He pivoted around and through a double team and faded away deep in the shot clock, ready to sink Memphis’ hopes with his signature jump shot.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

It’s something he believes helped him during UCLA’s recent victory over Oregon, when he briefly lost the ball late in the shot clock, got it back, spun and stepped back into a three-pointer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 10, 2025

With the shot clock winding down, UCLA’s Sebastian Mack drove and was fouled with 30 seconds left.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 21, 2025

She complained to the umpire that she could not see the shot clock, which tells players how long they have left to serve before the 25 second allowance runs out.

From BBC • Jan. 14, 2025

But Vondie grabs the rebound, a fresh twenty-four on the shot clock.

From "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander