NBA Basketball Terminology Reference Table

Field goal made while being fouled, granting one extra free throw.

Shot released before the game or period buzzer that still counts if it goes in.

Quick offensive push in transition before the defense is set.

Quick off-ball move toward the rim or open space to receive a pass.

Ball handler drives to collapse the defense then kicks the ball to an open teammate.

High-post passer feeds a teammate sealing deep near the rim.

Sharp dribble switching the ball from one hand to the other to shift the defender.

Ball handler dribbles toward a teammate and hands the ball off while screening the defender.

Two or more screens set sequentially to free a cutter or shooter.

Screener angles a pick away from the ball so the receiver fades toward the wing for a shot.

Two screeners start apart then close together after a cutter passes through, sealing the defender.

Using body positioning to seal an opponent away from the rim and secure rebounding space.

Sprinting from help position to challenge a shooter while slowing down into a balanced stance.

Secondary defenders rotate from the weak side to stop dribble penetration or protect the rim.

Aggressively guarding the ball handler to disrupt dribble rhythm and vision.

Positioning between an opponent and the ball to take away the passing lane before the catch.

Defending the basket area through shot blocks, vertical contests, and deterring layups.

Exchanging defensive assignments on screens or cuts to stay in front of the ball.

The screener’s defender steps out to impede the ball handler before retreating to their assignment.

Pick-and-roll scheme where the big retreats toward the paint to guard the rim and roller.

Sending two defenders aggressively at the ball handler off a screen to force the ball out.

Side pick-and-roll tactic that angles the ball handler away from the middle and toward the baseline help.

Positioning above a shooter to take away coming off a screen and forcing backdoor cuts.

Coordinated movement of backline defenders filling open spots after help is provided.

A quick jab step toward the ball to deter penetration before sprinting back to the shooter.

Weak-side defender momentarily checks the rolling screener to slow the pass until the big recovers.

Quick reach by a perimeter defender into the post or driving lane to knock the ball loose.

A defender stationed at the free-throw line area ready to stop drives through the middle.

A quick off-ball switch to remove a smaller defender from a post mismatch before the entry pass.

Two defenders cross paths like an “X” to cover corner and wing shooters after help.

Man-to-man system with defenders sagging inside an imaginary arc to wall off drives.

Applying defensive pressure across the entire court immediately after a change of possession.

Coordinated double-team that cuts off escape routes to force turnovers or hurried decisions.

Establishing legal guarding position and absorbing contact to earn an offensive foul.

Defensive principle allowing shot blockers to jump straight up without fouling if arms stay vertical.

Practice drill that teaches positioning, help, and rotations in man-to-man defense.

Half-court alignment with four players at the lane lines forming a box to spring cutters or screens.

Off-ball pin-down that flows directly into a dribble handoff for the same shooter.

Five-out spacing where the trailing big initiates dribble handoffs and reads from the top of the floor.

Transition ball screen sequence using two staggered screeners to free the handler.

Four-out offense emphasizing continuous dribble attacks and kick-out reads.

Two screeners close together like elevator doors after a shooter cuts between them.

Continuity offense built on baseline flex cuts and down screens exchanging roles.

Shooter starts under the rim and chooses either side of staggered screens to pop free.

Screen appears to be set before the screener slips out without contact to confuse switches.

Baseline drive paired with a weak-side flare screen that frees a corner three.

Half-court alignment placing two bigs at the elbows with guards spaced on the wings.

Spacing the floor to give a creator room to attack one defender without help.

Guard sprints across the free-throw line using parallel screens to receive the ball on the wing.

Free-flowing system built on constant cuts, screens, and reads without set plays.

Alignment with one guard up top and four teammates across the free-throw line extended.

Screener steps into a ball screen then pops to perimeter space for a jumper.

Ball handler uses a teammate's screen to pressure the defense before attacking or passing.

Two-guard action combining a dribble handoff into an immediate ball screen at the wing.

Read-based system featuring high-post handoffs, backdoor cuts, and spacing discipline.

Screener stops around the free-throw line to receive a pass instead of rolling to the rim.

Three-player pick-and-roll where a back screen is set on the roll defender after the initial screen.

Pick-and-roll run with four shooters spaced outside the arc to stretch help defenders.

Two perimeter players cross or screen each other after a post entry to shake their defenders.

Series of two or more screens set at slight angles so the cutter navigates a staggered path.

Spacing concept forming a sideline triangle with a two-man game on the weak side.

End-of-period strategy aiming for two offensive trips before the opponent gets one.

Cutter starts on the block and runs vertically off a screen to the top to receive the ball.

Pin-down screen that flows into a dribble handoff on the wing, keeping the defender chasing.

Player who specializes in contesting shots at the basket.

Wing who combines reliable three-point shooting with perimeter defense.

Player known for exceptional shooting accuracy, especially from distance.

Player who excels at attacking the basket off the dribble.

Bench scorer who heats up quickly and produces points in bunches.

Primary ball handler who directs teammates and controls tempo.

Contributor who impacts games on both offense and defense.

Specialist assigned to neutralize the opponent's best scorer.

Role player who ties units together with hustle, screening, and smart play.

Big who sprints the floor and dives to the rim for lobs and finishes.

Creator who initiates pick-and-roll actions and reads multiple coverages.

Screener who dives toward the rim after setting picks to finish or make reads.

Big who scores efficiently with back-to-the-basket moves on the block.

Player who dominates the rebounding battle on both ends of the floor.

Physical presence who deters cheap shots and protects teammates.

Top reserve who provides starter-level impact off the bench.

Go-to option trusted to score or create in late-game situations.

Elite player around whom the organization builds its long-term identity.

Total points a player or team records through made field goals and free throws.

Missed shots that a player or team secures to control possession.

Rebound secured by the shooting team to extend the same possession.

Rebound collected by the defending team to end the opponent possession.

Pass ruled by the statistician to lead directly to a made basket.

Legal takeaway by a defender that ends the opponent possession.

Defender deflects a shot on its path to the rim without committing a foul.

Possession lost before a shot because of an error or violation.

Any successful two or three point shot from the floor excluding free throws.

Shot taken from the floor that would count as a field goal if it goes in.

Ratio of made field goals to attempts showing overall shooting accuracy.

Made shot taken from beyond the three point arc worth three points.

Made three pointers divided by attempts showing long range accuracy.

Successful unguarded shot from the free throw line worth one point.

Share of made free throws out of attempts reflecting reliability at the line.

Total time a player spends on the court during game action.

Number of games in which a player appears for any amount of time.

Average points scored divided by games played measuring consistent production.

Average rebounds per contest calculated by dividing totals by games played.

Average assists a player distributes each game by dividing totals by appearances.

Player posts double digits in two statistical categories within one game.

Player records double digits in three statistical categories in a single game.

Estimate of possessions ending with a player via shots free throws or turnovers.

Efficiency metric that blends field goals three pointers and free throws into one rate.

Adjusts field goal percentage by giving made threes extra value for weighting.

Compares free throw attempts to field goal attempts to capture rim pressure.

John Hollinger's per minute productivity metric normalized so league average equals fifteen.

Score differential while a player is on the floor tracking team impact.

Estimates player impact per one hundred possessions relative to league average using box score data.

Points produced per one hundred possessions for a player or team on offense.

Points allowed per one hundred possessions for a player or team.

Difference between offensive and defensive rating showing point margin per one hundred possessions.

Number of possessions a team uses per forty eight minutes of play.

NBA tracking metric that divides a player's positive contributions by total events in the game.

John Hollinger formula that summarizes a single game box score into one rating.

Basketball Reference metric estimating how many wins a player adds through offense and defense.

Rate version of win shares dividing by playing time to enable minute neutral comparisons.

Box plus minus based estimate of how many wins a player adds versus a replacement level option.

Intentional foul on a poor free throw shooter to send them to the line.

Using hands or forearms to impede a ball handler's movement on the perimeter.

Illegal movement of the pivot foot or taking extra steps without dribbling.

Restarting the dribble after picking up the ball or dribbling with both hands simultaneously.

Illegally turning the hand under the ball or pausing it in the palm while dribbling.

Touching a shot on its downward flight or after it contacts the backboard while above the rim.

Touching the ball while it is on the rim or contacting the basket or net in a way that affects the shot.

A defender stays in the paint without closely guarding an opponent for more than three seconds.

An offensive player stays in the lane for more than three seconds while their team controls the ball.

The offense fails to advance the ball across midcourt within eight seconds after gaining possession.

Occurs when the offense returns the ball to the backcourt after establishing frontcourt control.

The offense fails to attempt a shot that hits the rim before the shot clock expires.

The inbounder fails to release the pass within five seconds of receiving the ball from the referee.

A player holding the ball is closely guarded and fails to pass, shoot, or drive within five seconds.

Illegally kicking or striking the ball with the foot or leg to gain an advantage.

Occurs during a free throw when a player enters the lane too early or steps on the lane line illegally.

Lead playmaker who directs offensive sets, handles the ball most, and keeps the tempo organized.

Perimeter-oriented scorer relied on for outside shooting, slashing, and secondary playmaking.

Versatile wing who balances scoring, perimeter defense, and secondary playmaking on both ends.

Frontcourt player who mixes interior physicality with face-up scoring, screening, and rebounding duties.

Tallest interior anchor who protects the rim, controls the glass, and scores through post play or rolls.

Guard capable of toggling between point guard playmaking and shooting guard scoring duties depending on lineup needs.

Forward who handles primary creation duties by initiating offense and setting up teammates despite frontcourt size.

Perimeter player versatile enough to alternate between shooting guard and small forward responsibilities.

Power forward who extends beyond the arc to space the floor while still offering size for rebounding and defense.

Center capable of reliable perimeter shooting, opening driving lanes while still protecting the rim and rebounding.

Undersized center used in smaller lineups to add speed, switching defense, and ball movement at the five spot.

Wing player trusted to both guard top perimeter assignments and provide consistent spacing or scoring.

Athletic center or power forward who sprints the floor, dives hard in pick-and-roll, and pressures the rim as a lob target.

Wing player whose primary value is high-volume perimeter shooting that widens driving lanes and supports spacing.

Standard illegal contact against an opponent that is charged to the individual player.

Accumulated personal fouls by a team within a period that determine when the opponent enters the bonus。

Personal fouls assessed to opponents on the same play for simultaneous illegal contact。

Defensive foul committed while the shooter is in the act of releasing a shot。

Defender fails to establish legal guarding position before contact with the ball handler。

Offensive player barrels into a defender who has established legal guarding position。

Illegal contact by the team in control of the ball, such as charges, push-offs, or illegal screens。

Contact foul that occurs while both teams are scrambling for a free ball that neither controls。

Illegal contact when a player reaches over the back of an opponent to grab a rebound or loose ball。

Personal foul called when a defender slaps or grabs at the ball handler’s arms or body from the side or behind。

Illegal use of the hands to impede a ball handler’s movement on the perimeter after the first touch。

Offensive player sets a screen without giving space or while still moving into the defender’s path。

Personal foul from behind or the side in transition when no defender is ahead of the ball handler。

Stopping a fast break from behind or the side without making a legitimate play on the ball。

Intentional foul committed away from the ball before the inbound pass is released。

Unnecessary contact that the officials judge as non-excessive, allowing the player to remain in the game。

Unnecessary and excessive contact considered hostile or dangerous, triggering an automatic ejection。

Category for excessive or unnecessary contact that is classified by level as Flagrant 1 or Flagrant 2。

Administrative foul assessed for unsportsmanlike conduct, bench decorum issues, or procedural violations。

Simultaneous technical fouls called on opposing players, coaches, or benches stemming from the same incident。

Serious personal foul assessed when a player throws a punch, whether or not it makes contact。

Rectangular lane in front of the hoop governed by three-second rules.

Semi-circle under the rim where defenders cannot draw charges.

Midpoint on the free-throw line marked by a nail securing the court.

Area outside the lane extending to and beyond the three-point arc.

Arc that designates shots worth three points in NBA play.

Endline running underneath each basket on the court.

Rectangular board behind the rim that provides a surface for bank shots.

Line 15 feet from the backboard where free throws are attempted.

Divides the court into frontcourt and backcourt and determines over-and-back violations.

Boundary lines running the length of the court on each side.

Baseline area beside the paint where cutters wait for dump-off passes.

Circular marking at midcourt where games start with the opening tip.

Full circle around the free-throw line defining lane spaces during free throws.

Junction of the free-throw line and lane line on either side of the key.

Rectangular markers on each lane line near the basket used for positioning.

Area along the lane close to the rim where bigs operate with their back to the basket.

Area around the free-throw line and nail where forwards face up to initiate offense.

Perimeter spot centered above the free-throw arc where offenses initiate sets.

Perimeter lanes between the top of the key and the corners on both sides of the floor.

Tight spaces where the baseline meets the sideline beyond the three-point arc.

Half of the court where a team’s basket is located while it is on offense.

Half of the court opposite a team’s basket where possessions begin after securing the ball.

Shot that strikes the backboard before dropping through the rim.

Two-step gather that shifts laterally to evade rim protectors.

Shooter elevates off the floor before releasing the ball.

Shooter releases the ball from a stationary stance without jumping.

High-arcing runner lofted over rim protectors from the lane.

One-handed sweeping release where the shooter’s body shields the defender.

Shot created by hopping backward to create separation from the defender.

Shooter leans backward on release to keep the defender from contesting.

Passer dishes to a teammate then cuts to receive a quick return pass.

Ball handler hands the ball to a teammate while dribbling to ignite the play.

Close-range finish where the shooter extends to place the ball softly off the glass or rim.

Finisher drives under the rim and scores on the far side using the rim as protection.

Layup variation where the ball is rolled off the fingers to create extra touch and arc.

Forceful score where a player stuffs the ball directly through the rim with one or two hands.

Lobbed pass caught midair for a layup or dunk before landing.

Immediate score following an offensive rebound by tipping or powering the ball back in.

Ball handler plants a foot and pirouettes to change directions around the defender.

Sudden switch of the dribble from one hand to the other to move past the defender.

Dribble is wrapped behind the body to shift hands while protecting the ball from the defender.

Dribble is pushed through the legs to switch hands while keeping the body between the ball and defender.

Ball handler briefly pauses the dribble to sell a pull-up before exploding past the defender.

Dribbler feints a crossover with a looping outside-in motion before continuing in the same direction.

Offensive player quickly stabs a lead foot forward to test the defender before choosing to shoot or drive.

Shooter sells a shot motion to provoke a defender’s contest before driving or drawing a foul.

Stance after catching the ball where the player can credibly shoot, pass, or drive.

Post player fakes a shot, then ducks under the defender with a step-through finish.

Offensive player positions with back to the basket to leverage strength and footwork near the block.

From the post, the player plants the inside foot then steps across the defender to gain a direct lane.

Player receives the pass and shoots immediately without taking a dribble.

Off-ball player fakes toward the ball then cuts behind the defender to the rim.

Cutter curls tightly around a screen toward the paint to receive the ball on the move.

Cutter uses an angled screen to fade toward the perimeter away from the ball for a catch-and-shoot.

Screener fakes setting the pick and quickly cuts to open space before contact is made.

Two games scheduled on consecutive days for the same team.

Game that tips off in the afternoon rather than the standard evening slot.

Series of consecutive away games that keeps a team traveling from city to city.

Stretch of consecutive home games that lets a team remain in its home arena.

Exhibition slate before the regular season that helps teams tune up systems and rosters.

Official 82-game schedule that determines playoff qualification and seeding.

Mini-bracket where seeds seven through ten compete for the final playoff berths.

NBA midseason competition featuring group play and knockout rounds for the NBA Cup.

Round-robin games within assigned pools that determine who advances in the In-Season Tournament.

Single-elimination stage of the In-Season Tournament that leads to the championship game.

Final contest of a tournament or series that decides the champion.

Postseason tournament where sixteen teams compete through four rounds for the title.

Opening playoff series that pits top seeds against lower seeds in each conference.

Second playoff round that determines which teams reach the conference finals.

Penultimate playoff round that crowns conference champions.

Championship series between the Eastern and Western Conference winners.

Playoff matchup where the first team to four wins advances.

Game where a loss ends a team’s season or series hopes.

Deciding contest in a best-of-seven series with both teams tied at three wins each.

Strategic rest plan that limits appearances to protect a player’s health over the season.

Game broadcast across the entire country on a major network or platform.

Showcase exhibition featuring the league’s top players during All-Star Weekend.

Three-day festival including skills contests, Rising Stars, and the All-Star Game.

Premier showcase games played on December 25 featuring marquee matchups.

First game of the regular season for a team or for the entire league on opening night.

Regular-season slate highlighting historic and emerging rival matchups over a dedicated week.

Primary lineup that opens games and sets the team’s tone.

Group built with quicker, shorter players to emphasize speed and spacing.

Group of players a coach trusts for regular minutes in a game.

Roster built around multiple All-Star or MVP-caliber players that form a powerhouse lineup.

Franchise that wins multiple championships within a short era.

New franchise added to the league through expansion.

NBA franchise based in Atlanta competing in the Eastern Conference Southeast Division.

Historic Boston franchise with the most NBA championships, part of the Atlantic Division.

Brooklyn-based Atlantic Division team playing home games at Barclays Center.

Franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina competing in the Southeast Division.

Central Division franchise famed for the Michael Jordan era championships.

Cleveland franchise in the Central Division that won its first title in 2016.

Detroit-based Central Division franchise with a blue-collar identity.

Indianapolis franchise rooted in ABA history, competing in the Central Division.

Miami franchise in the Southeast Division known for its “Heat Culture.”

Central Division team powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent seasons.

Original NBA franchise playing at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

Southeast Division franchise based in Orlando, Florida.

Atlantic Division franchise known for “The Process” rebuild and rich history.

Canada’s lone NBA franchise competing in the Atlantic Division.

Washington, D.C. franchise that plays in the Southeast Division.

Western Conference franchise based in Dallas, Texas, playing in the Southwest Division.

Rocky Mountain franchise competing in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference.

Bay Area dynasty team competing in the Pacific Division.

Southwest Division franchise with a rich history of star big men.

Pacific Division club sharing Los Angeles market with the Lakers.

Iconic Los Angeles franchise tied for most NBA championships, part of the Pacific Division.

Gritty Southwest Division club based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Minneapolis-based team in the Northwest Division known as the Wolves.

Southwest Division franchise representing New Orleans, Louisiana.

Thunder franchise in Oklahoma City competing in the Northwest Division.

Pacific Division franchise playing in the desert city of Phoenix, Arizona.

Northwest Division team from Portland, Oregon, nicknamed the Blazers.

Pacific Division franchise based in California’s capital city of Sacramento.

San Antonio dynasty team with five championships under coach Gregg Popovich.

Salt Lake City franchise in the Northwest Division with a passionate fan base.