Why Basketball Competitions Are Better With a Final Target Score Ending
Basketball has always been one of the most exciting sports in the world. The fast pace, constant scoring, and intensity of competition make it a fan favorite across all levels of play. Yet, even with all its excitement, many traditional basketball games finish in ways that feel anticlimactic—dragging out with intentional fouls, free-throw parades, and a loss of rhythm. That’s where the final target score ending, more widely recognized as the Elam Ending, comes in.
In recent years, more basketball competitions around the world have begun experimenting with this format, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive. Fans, players, and coaches agree: the game feels fresher, more competitive, and far more entertaining. Let’s explore why basketball competitions are better with a final target score ending and why this innovative idea is reshaping the sport.
What Is a Final Target Score Ending?
In traditional basketball competitions, games end when the game clock expires, regardless of the score difference. But under the final target score system, once the game reaches a designated point (often the last few minutes), the clock is turned off. Instead of playing against time, teams compete to reach a specific score—known as the target score.
For example, if the target score is set at the leading team’s score plus 8 points, the game will end when one team hits that number. This system, first implemented by Nick Elam and now famously called the Elam Ending, ensures that every game concludes with a made basket rather than a ticking clock.
Why Traditional Endings Fall Short
Before diving into the benefits of the final target score, it’s worth understanding why traditional endings often disappoint.
- Foul Fest – In the final minutes, trailing teams intentionally foul to stop the clock. This strategy slows the game, frustrates fans, and often leads to endless free throws.
- Stalling – The team in the lead typically milks the clock, dribbling aimlessly just to avoid mistakes, which takes away from the competitive spirit.
- Anticlimactic Finishes – Many games end with free throws or the buzzer sounding while the trailing team is still several points behind. The drama fizzles rather than explodes.
Basketball deserves better—and the final target score provides exactly that.
The Magic of the Elam Ending
The Elam Ending transforms how basketball competitions feel in their closing stages. Instead of slowing down, games become more intense, more fluid, and more dramatic. Here’s why it works so well:
1. Every Game Ends on a Made Basket
There’s nothing more exciting than a game ending on a shot. Whether it’s a layup, a jumper, or a deep three, the final play carries the weight of victory. With the final target score, every game finishes this way—no more anticlimactic free throws or clock-burning.
2. No More Intentional Fouling
Because there’s no clock pressure, teams no longer resort to endless fouling. Defenders can focus on stopping plays, and offenses must actually execute instead of simply surviving. This makes the game flow more naturally and fairly.
3. Greater Comeback Potential
In a timed game, once a team is down by double digits with a minute left, hope is basically gone. Under the final target score system, comebacks remain possible until the very end. Teams must still play defense and score buckets—the door for excitement stays open longer.
4. Enhanced Player Experience
Players love the final target score because it keeps them engaged. Instead of dragging out minutes of stop-and-go basketball, they finish strong, knowing that the last possession could be the most thrilling moment of the game.
5. Better for Fans
From the stands or at home, fans get the best of both worlds: the competitiveness of late-game scenarios without the frustrating delays. Spectators know the game will end with a high-energy play, which builds anticipation with every possession.
Real-World Success Stories
The Elam Ending isn’t just theory—it’s been tested and proven in real basketball competitions.
- The Basketball Tournament (TBT) – Perhaps the most famous testing ground, TBT adopted the Elam Ending in 2017. The results were electric: fans loved it, players endorsed it, and media coverage praised the innovation.
- NBA All-Star Game – In 2020, the NBA showcased the final target score in its All-Star Game, dedicating the target to honor Kobe Bryant. The result was one of the most competitive, thrilling All-Star finishes ever, with players taking defense seriously and fans on the edge of their seats.
- Youth & International Leagues – Several developmental leagues and basketball competitions worldwide have started experimenting with the Elam Ending, recognizing its ability to keep young players engaged and teach them the value of playing until the very last basket.
Each time, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive: the ending makes games feel more meaningful.
Why Basketball Competitions Should Embrace It
Basketball is a sport built on momentum, rhythm, and competition. The final target score format protects these elements by removing artificial stall tactics. Here’s why competitions across all levels—youth leagues, amateur tournaments, and professional play—should embrace it:
- Fair Play – Games are decided by skill, not by the clock.
- Player Development – Youth players learn to value execution, teamwork, and defensive stops rather than simply “running out the clock.”
- Spectator Value – Fans leave arenas or turn off broadcasts feeling satisfied, having witnessed a climactic finish.
- Broadcast Appeal – For TV and streaming audiences, the final target score guarantees that the final minutes are must-watch entertainment, perfect for capturing attention in today’s short-attention-span world.
Addressing Common Criticisms
Some critics argue that the final target score feels unfamiliar or “untraditional.” Yet, most innovations in sports once faced skepticism—like the three-point line in basketball or the penalty shootout in soccer. Today, those changes are celebrated.
Others worry about logistical challenges, but leagues that have implemented the Elam Ending report smooth transitions and enthusiastic responses. As more basketball competitions adopt it, familiarity will grow and resistance will fade.
The Future of Basketball Competitions
The momentum behind the Elam Ending is only growing. With the NBA experimenting further, international leagues taking notice, and grassroots programs adopting the system, it’s clear that basketball is evolving.
The final target score isn’t about replacing tradition—it’s about enhancing the game. Just as basketball introduced the shot clock to increase pace and excitement decades ago, the Elam Ending is the next logical step to ensure thrilling finishes.
Imagine a world where every basketball competition ends in a dramatic play, where every fan leaves talking about the final basket, and where players always give their all until the very last shot. That’s the promise of the final target score system.
Love It or Hate It, Why Don’t You Try It
Basketball is already one of the most exciting sports on earth, but the final target score ending, better known as the Elam Ending, takes the game to an even higher level. By eliminating fouls, stalling, and anticlimactic finishes, it ensures that every basketball competition ends with intensity, fairness, and joy.
The future of the sport looks brighter when we imagine a world where every game concludes with a winning basket—an unforgettable moment for players and fans alike. The Elam Ending isn’t just a rule change; it’s a revolution in how we experience basketball.
For anyone who loves the game, the message is clear: basketball competitions are better with a final target score.