In what situation would a team not be allowed to take a time-out?

A team is not allowed to take a time-out during a free throw attempt because the rules are designed to maintain the flow of the game and ensure the integrity of the free throw process. Free throws are meant to be executed with minimal interruption to help the shooter focus and maintain the rhythm of the game.

When a player is at the free throw line preparing to shoot, any interruption, such as a time-out, could disrupt the concentration of the shooter and the dynamics of the moment. Successfully converting free throws is crucial in close games, and thus the rules prioritize the execution of this critical moment over the ability to call a time-out.

In contrast, there are provisions that allow time-outs in various other scenarios, such as when a player is substituted due to injury or after a technical foul. In these cases, the game clock may pause for the necessary administrative actions, which makes time-outs feasible. Similarly, during a time-out situation after the game clock has expired, teams may still converse and strategize, even if they cannot change the outcome of the game.