Answer: GOALTEND

To goaltend in basketball means to interfere with a shot near the basket in a way that violates the rules. This typically happens when a defensive player touches the ball on its downward path towards the basket, while it is in the imaginary cylinder above the rim. This is considered an illegal action and results in a penalty for the defending team.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Do something illegal around a basketball hoop. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.