What is the status of the ball if a player attempts a shot and misses before time expires?

When a player attempts a shot and misses, the status of the ball is considered live until it is touched by another player. This means that as soon as the shot is attempted, the ball can still be played, and any subsequent action, such as a rebound or the ball being touched by other players, maintains the live status.

If the missed shot is not rebounded by another player, the play still continues, allowing other players to potentially gain possession. This remains critical in understanding the flow of the game because it affects strategies around rebounding and transitioning from offense to defense. The concept reinforces the notion that a shot attempt has effects on gameplay beyond simply hitting the basket or not; it also signifies ongoing opportunities for the team to regain possession or make play adjustments.