Why does basketball have a shot clock?

The shot clock was introduced to professional basketball in 1954 to combat the lackluster pace of the game and prevent teams from stalling. Prior to its implementation, teams that held a lead would often simply pass the ball among themselves to run out the clock and preserve their advantage, which made games tedious for spectators.1

By requiring a team to attempt a shot within a specific timeframe—currently 24 seconds in the NBA, the WNBA, and international play—the shot clock ensures a more active and engaging pace of play. Failure to shoot within the allotted time results in a turnover, where the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.2