Garbage time impacts team strategy and player performance
Garbage time in basketball is a term used to describe a period in the game, usually near the end, when the outcome of the game has essentially been decided due to a large point differential. The leading team has a significant advantage and it's highly unlikely that the trailing team could mount a successful comeback in the time remaining.During garbage time, teams often rest their star players to reduce the risk of injury and give less experienced players, often those from the end of the bench, an opportunity to get some playing time. The term "garbage time" can sometimes be seen as derogatory because it implies that this time isn't meaningful or competitive. However, it can provide valuable experience for developing players, and stats accumulated during this period can sometimes impact season averages and records.