noun Gaming Slang

Clamps

/klæmps/ · noun · slang

Lockdown defense — when you stick to your man so tight he can't breathe.

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Definitions

1

A defender known for that kind of suffocating coverage.

“Put Clamps on him, he won't get a clean look.”
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2

Elite on-ball defense that completely shuts down an opponent's scoring.

“He put the clamps on their best player all night.”
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3

Used as an exclamation when someone gets totally locked up and can't make a move.

“Clamps! He couldn't even get the shot off.”
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Clamps In A Sentence

My defender had clamps, I couldn't get a step.
Coach wants clamps the whole fourth quarter.
He thinks he's a scorer till he meets some real clamps.

Origin & Usage

AAVE basketball slang likening tight defense to a clamp gripping shut. Spread widely through hoop culture and gaming, especially NBA 2K commentary, in the 2010s.

Variants clampput the clamps onclamp god
Tags #sports#aave#american#hip-hop

People Also Ask

What does 'clamps' mean in basketball?

It refers to lockdown defense so tight the offensive player can't get free. A defender with clamps shuts down whoever they guard.

What is a 'clamp god'?

It's an elite defender, someone whose on-ball defense is so good they routinely lock up the other team's best scorer.

Is 'clamps' used in NBA 2K?

Yes, the term is hugely popular in NBA 2K culture, where defensive badges and lockdown builds are often called clamps.

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