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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-nba-shot-clock-24

How many seconds does the NBA shot clock start with?

24 seconds to attempt a shot.

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  1. 24 seconds ✔
  2. 30 seconds
  3. 35 seconds

Why: An NBA team must try a shot before the 24-second shot clock runs out. The clock shows tenths of a second once it gets under 5 seconds.

Huh, didn't know that: FIBA international games also use a 24-second shot clock.

The dad joke
Why did the shot clock go to therapy? It felt like everyone was counting down on it.
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References

Answer: 24 seconds. An NBA team must try a shot before the 24-second shot clock runs out. The clock shows tenths of a second once it gets under 5 seconds.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 7: Shot Clock official.nba.com/rule-no-7-24-second-clock
    The shot clock shall start at 24 seconds unless otherwise provided in Rule 7.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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