Heating up is a basketball term that refers to the time when a player starts to make the most of the shots of his team and takes over the game.
It is used when a certain player has made a consecutive series of shots within a stretch of time in the game.
When a player is ‘heating up’, it is usually capitalized on by the rest of his teammates and they pass the ball to him as often as possible.
The confidence boost from making a number of successful baskets can lead the player to take and make the riskier shots.
Example of Use:
- Kobe Bryant was heating up toward the last few minutes of the third quarter. His teammates made every effort to pass him the ball, leading the Bulls to a staggering 30-point lead.