Basketball is a sport filled with excitement, strategy, and countless moments of fun. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just looking for a way to test your basketball knowledge, riddles can offer a playful challenge.
From tricky questions about the game to clever wordplay, these riddles are perfect for any basketball enthusiast. Dive into these 301 basketball riddles and see how many you can solve!
Classic Basketball Trivia
- 🏀 What do you call it when a player scores three points in one shot?
Answer: A three-pointer. - 🏀 What is it called when a player jumps and scores without touching the ground?
Answer: A dunk. - 🏀 What term describes the act of blocking a shot with the palm of your hand?
Answer: A block. - 🏀 What do you call a shot made from beyond the three-point line?
Answer: A three-point shot. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot taken from the free-throw line?
Answer: A free throw. - 🏀 What is it called when a player dribbles without moving their feet?
Answer: Traveling. - 🏀 What term describes when a player scores two points from a shot made within the three-point line?
Answer: A field goal. - 🏀 What is the area around the basket called?
Answer: The paint or key. - 🏀 What do you call the act of a player bouncing the ball while running?
Answer: Dribbling. - 🏀 What is it called when a player intercepts a pass?
Answer: A steal. - 🏀 What’s the term for a basket scored at the end of a game to win?
Answer: A buzzer-beater. - 🏀 What term describes a defensive maneuver where a player tries to block or alter an opponent’s shot?
Answer: A block. - 🏀 What do you call it when a player makes a shot while being fouled?
Answer: An and-one. - 🏀 What’s the name of the line that divides the court into two halves?
Answer: The midcourt line. - 🏀 What term is used for the act of dribbling with both hands?
Answer: Double dribble. - 🏀 What’s the name for a pass thrown to a player who then scores immediately?
Answer: An assist. - 🏀 What term describes the area where players stand during free throws?
Answer: The free-throw line. - 🏀 What’s the name of the action where a player jumps to grab a missed shot?
Answer: A rebound. - 🏀 What term is used for the time when the ball is in play and the game clock is running?
Answer: Regulation time. - 🏀 What do you call it when a player performs a successful shot after the buzzer sounds?
Answer: A game-winning shot. - 🏀 What is it called when a player receives a pass and then makes a basket?
Answer: A layup. - 🏀 What term describes a period of play when both teams have equal scores?
Answer: Tie game. - 🏀 What do you call it when a player makes a shot with one hand?
Answer: A one-handed shot. - 🏀 What term is used for a player who specializes in making long-range shots?
Answer: Sharpshooter. - 🏀 What’s the name of the defensive tactic where a player guards an opponent closely to prevent a shot?
Answer: Man-to-man defense. - 🏀 What term describes a shot made from mid-range distance?
Answer: A jumper. - 🏀 What’s the term for the boundary lines that mark the edges of the court?
Answer: Sidelines. - 🏀 What do you call a shot that bounces off the backboard and into the basket?
Answer: A bank shot. - 🏀 What term describes the ball being stolen from a player by an opponent?
Answer: A steal. - 🏀 What’s the term for when a player has possession of the ball and makes a deliberate attempt to score?
Answer: A shot attempt.
Famous Players and Teams
- 🏀 Which player is known as “His Airness”?
Answer: Michael Jordan. - 🏀 Which team won the NBA Championship in 2021?
Answer: Milwaukee Bucks. - 🏀 Who holds the record for the most career points in NBA history?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. - 🏀 Which player is known for his “Sky Hook” shot?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. - 🏀 Which team is known for its “Showtime” style of play?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers. - 🏀 Who is the “King” of the NBA?
Answer: LeBron James. - 🏀 What team did Shaquille O’Neal win his first NBA Championship with?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers. - 🏀 Which team is known as the “Celtics” in the NBA?
Answer: Boston Celtics. - 🏀 Who was the first player to win the NBA MVP award four times?
Answer: Lebron James. - 🏀 Which player is known for his “Shooting Sleeve”?
Answer: Stephen Curry. - 🏀 Which team is known for the “Golden State Warriors” nickname?
Answer: Golden State Warriors. - 🏀 Who holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history?
Answer: Russell Westbrook. - 🏀 What team did Magic Johnson play for?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers. - 🏀 Who is known as “The Admiral”?
Answer: David Robinson. - 🏀 Which player won the NBA Finals MVP award three times with the Chicago Bulls?
Answer: Michael Jordan. - 🏀 What team did Tim Duncan play for throughout his entire career?
Answer: San Antonio Spurs. - 🏀 Which team is known for its “Raptors” nickname in the NBA?
Answer: Toronto Raptors. - 🏀 Who is the NBA player known for the “Black Mamba” nickname?
Answer: Kobe Bryant. - 🏀 Which team is referred to as the “Heat” in the NBA?
Answer: Miami Heat. - 🏀 Who is the player known for his “Hakeem Shake”?
Answer: Hakeem Olajuwon. - 🏀 Which team has won the most NBA Championships?
Answer: Boston Celtics (with 17 titles). - 🏀 Who is known as the “Greek Freak”?
Answer: Giannis Antetokounmpo. - 🏀 What team did Charles Barkley play for during his MVP season?
Answer: Phoenix Suns. - 🏀 Which player is famous for his “Killer Crossover”?
Answer: Allen Iverson. - 🏀 What team did Dirk Nowitzki play for throughout his NBA career?
Answer: Dallas Mavericks. - 🏀 Who is known as the “Big Fundamental”?
Answer: Tim Duncan. - 🏀 What team is known for its “Sixers” nickname in the NBA?
Answer: Philadelphia 76ers. - 🏀 Which player is famous for his “Windmill Dunk”?
Answer: Vince Carter. - 🏀 Who is the player known for the “Iceman” nickname?
Answer: George Gervin. - 🏀 Which team won the NBA Championship in 2019?
Answer: Toronto Raptors.
Basketball Game Situations
- 🏀 What happens when the game clock expires and the ball is still in play?
Answer: The game continues until the possession ends. - 🏀 What’s it called when the game goes into extra periods because of a tie score?
Answer: Overtime. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player making a shot while being fouled and scoring?
Answer: An and-one. - 🏀 What’s the call when a player commits a personal foul during a shooting attempt?
Answer: Shooting foul. - 🏀 What do you call a foul committed by a player who is not involved in the play?
Answer: A non-shooting foul. - 🏀 What is the term for when a player fouls another player without making a play on the ball?
Answer: A personal foul. - 🏀 What’s it called when a team is forced to take a timeout due to a bad play or to stop the clock?
Answer: A timeout. - 🏀 What’s the call when a player is fouled during a free throw attempt?
Answer: Technical foul. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player’s movement that leads to a stoppage of play and a change of possession?
Answer: Violation. - 🏀 What’s the term for a situation where the referee calls a violation or foul?
Answer: A whistle. - 🏀 What’s the term for a team gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot?
Answer: Rebound. - 🏀 What’s it called when a player intercepts the ball during an opponent’s pass attempt?
Answer: Steal. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot taken while falling or off balance?
Answer: An off-balance shot. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player who comes off the bench to contribute to the game?
Answer: A substitute. - 🏀 What’s it called when a team fouls an opponent intentionally to stop the clock?
Answer: Foul tactic. - 🏀 What’s the name for the situation when a player makes a basket just before the game ends?
Answer: Buzzer-beater. - 🏀 What’s it called when the ball goes out of bounds and the other team gets possession?
Answer: Turnover. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot taken from the perimeter that misses the basket?
Answer: A miss. - 🏀 What’s the name for the boundary lines on the court that players must stay within?
Answer: Sidelines. - 🏀 What’s the call when the ball touches the rim but does not go in?
Answer: An airball. - 🏀 What’s it called when a player fouls another player but does not stop them from scoring?
Answer: A common foul. - 🏀 What’s the term for when a player is fouled and does not get a chance to shoot?
Answer: Non-shooting foul. - 🏀 What’s it called when a player is fouled and receives free throws as a result?
Answer: Free-throw opportunity. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player being replaced by another during the game?
Answer: Substitution. - 🏀 What’s the term for a basket made from a shot taken outside the three-point line?
Answer: Three-pointer. - 🏀 What’s the name for a play where the ball is passed to a teammate who scores immediately?
Answer: Assist. - 🏀 What’s it called when a player dribbles the ball and then stops to make a pass?
Answer: Passing play. - 🏀 What’s the term for when the ball is deflected by a player’s hand but not controlled?
Answer: Tip. - 🏀 What’s it called when a player intentionally holds or grabs another player?
Answer: Holding foul. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player who makes an offensive move to get a better position?
Answer: Screen.
Basketball Rules and Regulations
- 🏀 What’s the maximum number of players allowed on the court for one team at a time?
Answer: Five. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player moving with the ball without dribbling?
Answer: Traveling. - 🏀 What’s the penalty for a player committing a foul during a shooting attempt?
Answer: Free throws. - 🏀 How many seconds does a team have to make a shot attempt after gaining possession?
Answer: 24 seconds. - 🏀 What’s the term for the line where players must stand to take free throws?
Answer: Free-throw line. - 🏀 What’s the rule called that prevents players from staying in the key area for more than three seconds?
Answer: Three-second violation. - 🏀 What’s the term for a situation where the ball goes out of bounds?
Answer: Out-of-bounds. - 🏀 What’s the rule called that allows players to use both hands to dribble?
Answer: Double dribble violation. - 🏀 What’s the penalty for a player who commits a technical foul?
Answer: Free throws for the opposing team. - 🏀 How many timeouts are teams allowed per game?
Answer: Varies by league; typically 7 per game in the NBA. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play where the ball is passed to a teammate who is not yet in play?
Answer: Illegal pass. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot that is blocked by a defensive player?
Answer: Blocked shot. - 🏀 What’s the term for a violation that occurs when a player dribbles with both hands?
Answer: Double dribble. - 🏀 What’s the rule for the maximum number of dribbles a player can take before making a pass or shot?
Answer: There is no set limit, but excessive dribbling can be considered a violation if it disrupts play. - 🏀 What’s the term for when a player touches the ball after it has hit the backboard?
Answer: Goaltending. - 🏀 What’s the rule for the area where offensive and defensive players must stand during a free throw?
Answer: Free-throw lane. - 🏀 What’s the term for a violation where a player stands in the key for more than three seconds?
Answer: Three-second violation. - 🏀 What’s the name of the rule that dictates how many players can be substituted at a time?
Answer: Substitution rule. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play where the ball is passed to a player who then attempts to score?
Answer: Pass-and-shoot. - 🏀 What’s the penalty for a player who fouls an opponent during a shot attempt?
Answer: Free throws for the fouled player. - 🏀 What’s the term for the line that divides the court into two halves?
Answer: Midcourt line. - 🏀 What’s the term for the rule that prevents players from crossing the half-court line until the ball does?
Answer: Backcourt violation. - 🏀 What’s the name of the rule that requires the ball to stay within the court boundaries?
Answer: Boundary rule. - 🏀 What’s the penalty for a player who commits an intentional foul?
Answer: Free throws and possession for the opposing team. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot made from the corner of the court, beyond the three-point line?
Answer: Corner three. - 🏀 What’s the rule that requires teams to advance the ball past half-court within a certain time?
Answer: 8-second rule (NBA) or 24-second rule (FIBA). - 🏀 What’s the term for a foul committed by a player who has already accumulated a certain number of fouls?
Answer: Personal foul or team foul. - 🏀 What’s the term for a rule violation where a player interferes with a shot by touching the ball before it goes in?
Answer: Goaltending. - 🏀 What’s the term for a violation that occurs when a player jumps and lands without dribbling?
Answer: Traveling. - 🏀 What’s the penalty for a player who commits a violation that is not a personal foul?
Answer: Turnover and possession to the opposing team.
Fun Basketball Puzzles
- 🏀 I’m a shot from a distance, but not quite a three-pointer. What am I?
Answer: A long two. - 🏀 What do you call a player who always hits the rim but never makes a basket?
Answer: A rim rattler. - 🏀 I have 10 points, but I’m not on the scoreboard. What am I?
Answer: A basketball team’s total fouls. - 🏀 What do you call a basketball player who loves to draw?
Answer: A court artist. - 🏀 I have a three-point line but no court. What am I?
Answer: A basketball gym. - 🏀 What’s the name of the shot that always misses the basket but never misses the net?
Answer: An airball. - 🏀 I’m always dribbling but never get tired. What am I?
Answer: A basketball. - 🏀 What do you call a basketball player who never leaves the bench?
Answer: A spectator. - 🏀 I’m always on the court but never get fouled. What am I?
Answer: The basketball court. - 🏀 I’m a pass that always finds its way to the basket. What am I?
Answer: An assist. - 🏀 I’m the play where a shot is taken but never hits the rim. What am I?
Answer: A swish. - 🏀 What do you call a basketball game with no points scored?
Answer: A practice. - 🏀 I’m always in the game but never score. What am I?
Answer: The basketball hoop. - 🏀 What’s the name of the move that makes a defender fall?
Answer: An ankle breaker. - 🏀 I’m a basketball move that involves spinning and scoring. What am I?
Answer: A spin move. - 🏀 What do you call a basket made with one hand while jumping?
Answer: A dunk. - 🏀 I’m a basketball term for making a shot from far away. What am I?
Answer: A three-pointer. - 🏀 What’s the term for a shot that makes the net move but not the ball?
Answer: A swish. - 🏀 I’m a term for when a player shoots without looking. What am I?
Answer: A blind shot. - 🏀 What do you call a basketball player who is always on the move?
Answer: A hustler. - 🏀 I’m a move that gets you past a defender and to the hoop. What am I?
Answer: A crossover dribble. - 🏀 What’s the term for when a player misses a shot but gets their own rebound?
Answer: An offensive rebound. - 🏀 I’m a basketball term for when a player scores from close range. What am I?
Answer: A layup. - 🏀 What’s the name of the move that involves jumping and scoring over an opponent?
Answer: A dunk. - 🏀 I’m the term for a basketball game that’s played indoors. What am I?
Answer: A gym game. - 🏀 What do you call a shot that hits the rim and bounces out?
Answer: A rim shot. - 🏀 I’m a basketball term for a player who can shoot from anywhere on the court. What am I?
Answer: A sharpshooter. - 🏀 What’s the term for a quick pass that surprises the defense?
Answer: A no-look pass. - 🏀 I’m the term for a basketball play that results in a score. What am I?
Answer: A basket. - 🏀 What’s the name of the basketball move where you bounce the ball between your legs?
Answer: A behind-the-back dribble.
Basketball Strategy and Techniques
- 🏀 What’s the strategy of passing quickly to get the defense out of position?
Answer: Fast break. - 🏀 What’s the term for a defensive strategy where each player guards a specific opponent?
Answer: Man-to-man defense. - 🏀 What’s the name of the technique where a player dribbles to the side to evade a defender?
Answer: Crossover dribble. - 🏀 What’s the strategy of creating space by moving without the ball?
Answer: Off-ball movement. - 🏀 What’s the term for a defensive technique where players guard an area rather than individual opponents?
Answer: Zone defense. - 🏀 What’s the technique called when a player fakes a shot to get a defender to jump?
Answer: Pump fake. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play designed to free up a teammate for an open shot?
Answer: Screen or pick. - 🏀 What’s the strategy for a player to get open by running to a spot on the court?
Answer: Cutting. - 🏀 What’s the name of the technique used to improve accuracy when shooting?
Answer: Follow-through. - 🏀 What’s the term for a defensive play where a player intercepts a pass?
Answer: Steal. - 🏀 What’s the term for the technique of dribbling with one hand while keeping the ball away from defenders?
Answer: Ball-handling. - 🏀 What’s the strategy called when a player moves to block an opponent’s shot?
Answer: Shot blocking. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play where a player uses their body to shield the ball from a defender?
Answer: Shielding. - 🏀 What’s the technique for ensuring a shot goes in by following through with the wrist?
Answer: Wrist flick. - 🏀 What’s the term for a quick change of direction to get past a defender?
Answer: Spin move. - 🏀 What’s the strategy of using quick passes to break down a defense?
Answer: Ball movement. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play where a player passes the ball while in the air?
Answer: Alley-oop. - 🏀 What’s the technique of jumping high to reach the basket or block a shot?
Answer: Jumping. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player positioning themselves to receive a pass or rebound?
Answer: Positioning. - 🏀 What’s the term for the strategy where a player creates space by dribbling away from defenders?
Answer: Isolation play. - 🏀 What’s the technique for improving shooting range by practicing from different spots on the court?
Answer: Spot shooting. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play that involves multiple quick passes to confuse the defense?
Answer: Passing drill. - 🏀 What’s the strategy called when a team deliberately fouls to stop the clock?
Answer: Hack-a-Shaq. - 🏀 What’s the term for using body movement to fake out an opponent?
Answer: Fake move. - 🏀 What’s the technique for shooting while moving towards the basket?
Answer: Driving layup. - 🏀 What’s the term for a defensive tactic where players guard an area rather than individual opponents?
Answer: Zone defense. - 🏀 What’s the term for a player’s ability to perform under pressure?
Answer: Clutch performance. - 🏀 What’s the name of the strategy where players create mismatches by exploiting defensive weaknesses?
Answer: Exploit mismatches. - 🏀 What’s the technique for using quick footwork to get past a defender?
Answer: Quick step. - 🏀 What’s the term for a play designed to maximize a player’s scoring opportunities?
Answer: Offensive set play.
Basketball Trivia and History
- 🏀 Who is known as the greatest basketball player of all time?
Answer: Michael Jordan. - 🏀 Which team won the first NBA championship?
Answer: The Philadelphia Warriors. - 🏀 What year was the NBA founded?
Answer: 1946. - 🏀 Who holds the record for the most points scored in a single NBA game?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain. - 🏀 Which player is known for his “Sky Hook” shot?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. - 🏀 Who was the first player to score 100 points in a single game?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain. - 🏀 What team is known for the “Showtime” era?
Answer: The Los Angeles Lakers. - 🏀 Who is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. - 🏀 Which player has won the most NBA MVP awards?
Answer: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. - 🏀 Who holds the record for the most career assists in NBA history?
Answer: John Stockton. - 🏀 Which team drafted Michael Jordan?
Answer: The Chicago Bulls. - 🏀 What year did the NBA introduce the three-point line?
Answer: 1979. - 🏀 Who is known for his famous “The Shot” in the 1989 playoffs?
Answer: Michael Jordan. - 🏀 Which player won the first NBA Rookie of the Year award?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain. - 🏀 What team did Larry Bird play for throughout his NBA career?
Answer: Boston Celtics. - 🏀 Who holds the record for the most career rebounds in NBA history?
Answer: Wilt Chamberlain. - 🏀 What is the name of the NBA trophy awarded to the league champion?
Answer: The Larry O’Brien Trophy. - 🏀 Who was the first player to be drafted directly out of high school into the NBA?
Answer: Kevin Garnett. - 🏀 What year did the NBA and ABA merge?
Answer: 1976. - 🏀 Which player is famous for his “Dream Shake” move?
Answer: Hakeem Olajuwon. - 🏀 What team did Kobe Bryant spend his entire NBA career with?
Answer: Los Angeles Lakers. - 🏀 Who is known as “The Big Fundamental”?
Answer: Tim Duncan. - 🏀 What year did the NBA introduce the salary cap?
Answer: 1984. - 🏀 Who is the only player to win NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and All-Star Game MVP in the same year?
Answer: Michael Jordan. - 🏀 What is the term for a player’s career achievements and statistics?
Answer: Career stats. - 🏀 What player is known for his famous “Dunk Contest” performances?
Answer: Vince Carter. - 🏀 Who was the first player to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award?
Answer: Sidney Moncrief. - 🏀 What is the name of the NBA’s annual All-Star game?
Answer: NBA All-Star Game. - 🏀 Who is known for the phrase “I am the greatest”?
Answer: Muhammad Ali (though known for boxing, often referenced in sports culture). - 🏀 Which NBA team was originally known as the Seattle SuperSonics?
Answer: The Oklahoma City Thunder.
Dariel Campbell is the creative mind behind Puzzlerpedia, combining a love for puzzles with a talent for engaging writing. His innovative approach to puzzle creation and analysis has earned him a dedicated following. Dariel’s articles are not only informative but also inspire readers to see puzzles in a new and exciting light.
