General
dagger
What does dagger mean?
A shot, often a three in the closing moments, that effectively puts the game away for good.
"He hit the dagger three with 20 seconds left."
Origin
Metaphor of a killing blow; common in NBA broadcasting.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'dagger' mean in basketball?
It's a clutch late-game shot, often a three, that effectively seals the win and ends the opponent's comeback hopes.
Why is it called a 'dagger'?
It borrows the image of a killing blow, since the shot figuratively stabs the opposing team's chances of winning.
How is a 'dagger' different from a buzzer beater?
A dagger seals a win in the closing moments but not necessarily at the buzzer, while a buzzer beater lands exactly as time expires.
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