When does the ball remain dead during a game?

The situation where the ball remains dead during a game is accurately described when time expires during a player's dribble. In this circumstance, once the game clock reaches zero, the play is halted, and the ball is considered dead regardless of the status of the dribble. This ensures that no further actions can be taken once the time limit has been reached, preserving the integrity of the game and the score at that moment.

In comparison, when a goal is made, the ball typically becomes live again as the players transition back to play after the score. A held ball situation also results in a dead ball, but it is usually followed by a jump ball or an alternate possession. Lastly, during a free throw, a violation by a player does render the ball dead momentarily, but the game does not stop for all players when this occurs; it would simply reset the free throw attempt if it happens before the ball has been released. Thus, it's important to recognize that the ball remains dead specifically when time has run out during a player's dribble, clarifying the crucial moment when play is definitively stopped.