jump ball

noun

: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate

also : a ball put into play in this manner

Examples of jump ball in a Sentence

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The Lakers, though, couldn’t inbound the ball cleanly, and Atlanta forced a tie-up with Davis with 19.6 seconds left and gained possession after the jump ball went out of bounds off James. —

Khobi Price, Orange County Register, 7 Dec. 2024 Both players had strong moments in the preseason, but Ross, with his 6-foot-4 frame and ability t0 catch a jump ball near the sideline, gives the Chiefs a unique skill set. —

Nate Taylor, The Athletic, 23 Aug. 2024 Andrews collected the opening jump ball with a firm hand slap that could be heard in the upper reaches of the arena. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 He’s been sure-handed through contact in the middle of the field and has shown promise as a jump ball target, something Denver didn’t have last season outside of Courtland Sutton. —

Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jump ball