above the rim

Definitions

1. [handing the ball] higher than the rim of the basket (such as during a slam dunk or alley oop)
2. at a high level of excellence
   Canada, US, figuratively

Examples

“Basketball went from a game of set⟳ shots and long jumpers to a game played above the rim, characterized by earth-shattering dunks.”

“The same male-centric phenomenon takes place⟳ in basketball, where the “standard” version of the game is played above the rim while the “watered-down” female version is played below the rim (and with a smaller ball).”

“Whereas Erving made his impact above the rim Curry is expanding what we never thought was expandable - the jump⟳ shot.”

“I believe⟳ in playing above the rim on the court, and in my career.”

“Who can tell⟳ the fabric of state government stories better? Who can tell⟳ those fabric stories first? And who can do what I call⟳ playing above the rim, which is you're in such close⟳ contact⟳ with legislators and state officials that you can stay⟳ ahead of the news.”

“2021 February 16, Shawn Jefferson, quoted in Darren Urban, "Shawn Jefferson's Padded Resumé For Coaching Receivers" azcardinals.com Jefferson, who once coached new Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in Detroit, said DeAndre Hopkins is "probably the only one in the league I can compare⟳ to Calvin right now, has the skillset Calvin had, playing above the rim and in those competitive situations coming down with the ball."”

CEFR level