[Phantom Lord]

Doesn't the clock start when the ball is touched by the receiving player and not when it leaves the throwers hand?

[swilhelm73]

Yep - the clock starts after it is caught - which is why you will occasionally see players let the ball bounce down the court at their feet after an inbound pass when trying to save time
--

The NBA's take;

The protest was denied Friday by NBA commissioner David Stern. The league said a video tape review showed the game clock "started appropriately" and confirmed the determination of the referees, using instant replay, that the shot was released before time expired.

[dfwgator]

Even so, if he lobs the ball to Fisher, there is no way that shot gets off in time. For Fisher to do what he did the ball had to be placed perfectly, as Payton did. Payton never should have had that clear look to Fisher like he did. A defender should have been in his face.

[dfwgator]

I should say, that yes maybe Fisher could get the shot off in time on a lob, but he would not have had nearly the control on the shot that he would have had otherwise.

[pro libertate]

You are correct. The clock does not start until the ball is touched by someone on the clock.