An assist in basketball is credited to a player when they pass the ball to a teammate who then scores a field goal, typically by shooting. The key elements of an assist are:
1. The pass must directly lead to a score: The receiving player must make the shot or score within a reasonable amount of time (usually immediately or with minimal dribbling or movement).
2. The pass must be an active play: It can’t be a careless or unintentional pass. The passer should have made an effort to help the teammate score.
Assists can occur in various situations, including fast breaks, pick-and-rolls, or after a player breaks down the defense and dishes the ball out for an easy score.
