Elam Ending

The Elam Ending is a finishing method for basketball games designed to create exciting, intentional endings. Instead of the game ending on a traditional clock runout, a target score is set by adding a specific number of points (usually 4 or 6) to the leading team's score at a predetermined point in the game. Once that score is reached, the clock stops, and the remaining time is often removed, encouraging teams to play for the win rather than running out the clock. This format promotes more strategic play and ensures a decisive, often dramatic finish.