A turnover gives possession to the opposition without the offence completing its intended attack. It can result from a bad pass, a violation, a lost dribble or defensive pressure. Each turnover ends one possession and may create a transition opportunity at the other end.

Turnovers are central to assessing offensive discipline and ball security. Too many can erase the benefit of accurate shooting or high shot volume. Defensively, forcing turnovers is also a powerful way to create easy points and influence the pace of the game.

A point guard attempts a risky transition pass, but a defender intercepts it. The offence loses the ball without attempting a shot, so a turnover is recorded.