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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-nba-defensive-three-seconds

In the NBA, what is the penalty for a defensive three-second violation?

A technical foul.

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  1. Loss of the next possession
  2. A jump ball
  3. A technical foul ✔

Why: A defensive three-second violation is a technical foul. A defender in the lane generally must actively guard an opponent, with a special exception for the ballhandler's defender.

Huh, didn't know that: The offense also keeps the ball after the free throw.

The dad joke
Why did the defender get a technical? He was camping in the paint without a permit.
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References

Answer: A technical foul. A defensive three-second violation is a technical foul. A defender in the lane generally must actively guard an opponent, with a special exception for the ballhandler's defender.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 10: Violations and Penalties official.nba.com/rule-no-10-violations-and-penalties
    PENALTY: A technical foul shall be assessed.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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