🏀 BasketballGrade 2Reading: grades 3-4Place valueSkip countingRoundingAdditionMissing addends
The Championship Trophy Mystery
Just hours before the final game, the golden championship trophy vanished from the arena lobby! The culprit left behind court marks and strange clues. Decipher the math clues to identify the thief among the players on the court.
Suspects
Possible suspects
Cross off a row as each clue rules it out. On screen, tap a row.
21 of 21 still in play
| Name | Signature Move | Lucky Gear | Shooting Hand | Hairstyle | Court Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Doncic | Crossover | Whistle Lanyard | Right Handed | Braided Cornrows | Full Court Press |
| Candace Parker | Slam Dunk | Neon Headband | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Squeaky Shoes |
| Joel Embiid | Three Pointer | Whistle Lanyard | Left Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Nikola Jokic | Three Pointer | Striped Socks | Left Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Diana Taurasi | Crossover | Padded Sleeves | Left Handed | Curly Top | Full Court Press |
| Nneka Ogwumike | No Look Pass | Neon Headband | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Bounce Pass |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Crossover | Neon Headband | Right Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Ja Morant | Slam Dunk | High Top Kicks | Right Handed | Braided Cornrows | Squeaky Shoes |
| A'ja Wilson | Sky Hook | Whistle Lanyard | Left Handed | Curly Top | Full Court Press |
| Kevin Durant | No Look Pass | Padded Sleeves | Left Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Maya Moore | No Look Pass | Padded Sleeves | Right Handed | Curly Top | Full Court Press |
| Sheryl Swoopes | Crossover | Padded Sleeves | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Full Court Press |
| Skylar Diggins | Crossover | Striped Socks | Right Handed | Short Buzz | Bounce Pass |
| Elena Delle Donne | No Look Pass | Whistle Lanyard | Right Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Kaitlyn Clark | Sky Hook | Striped Socks | Left Handed | Curly Top | Bounce Pass |
| Stephen Curry | Crossover | Neon Headband | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Bounce Pass |
| Lisa Leslie | Crossover | Neon Headband | Right Handed | Short Buzz | Bounce Pass |
| Breanna Stewart | Sky Hook | Neon Headband | Left Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Jayson Tatum | Sky Hook | Neon Headband | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Squeaky Shoes |
| Sabrina Ionescu | Sky Hook | Whistle Lanyard | Left Handed | Curly Top | Squeaky Shoes |
| Devin Booker | Three Pointer | High Top Kicks | Left Handed | Braided Cornrows | Bounce Pass |
Clue 1
Place value
A digital keypad locked the trophy case. Check the place value of the digits on the locker to unlock the first clue.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
96
79
73
37
36
62
62
51
36
53
97
58
73
39
53
58
T
96
89
73
51
72
45
51
97
97
73
97
39
62
73
73
37
73
39
What number has 9 tens and 6 ones?T
What number has 7 tens and 9 ones?H
What number has 5 tens and 3 ones?N
What number has 7 tens and 3 ones?E
What number has 7 tens and 2 ones?R
What number has 4 tens and 5 ones?P
What number has 9 tens and 7 ones?D
What number has 3 tens and 6 ones?I
What number has 3 tens and 7 ones?V
What number has 3 tens and 9 ones?S
What number has 8 tens and 9 ones?W
What number has 6 tens and 2 ones?L
What number has 5 tens and 1 one?A
What number has 5 tens and 8 ones?O
0/14 letters found
Clue 2
Skip counting
The thief dropped player badges along the court lines. Count by twos down the sidelines to gather the badges and find the clue.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
W
21
6
39
45
26
90
90
90
25
W
21
25
140
26
18
39
36
25
45
9
26
9
27
140
25
28
26
8
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, ___, 24, 27W
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, ___, 50, 55N
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15D
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, ___, 8, 10I
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, ___, 10, 12R
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, ___, 39, 42H
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, ___, 30, 33P
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, ___, 28, 30E
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ___, 21, 24F
Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___, 30, 35A
Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, ___, 30, 32Y
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, ___, 100, 110S
Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, ___, 150, 160L
Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, ___, 42, 45T
0/14 letters found
Clue 3
Rounding
The electronic scoreboard only shows rounded team totals. Round the spectator counts to uncover the next piece of evidence.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
T
200
400
30
70
800
70
60
30
300
T
200
70
T
200
500
60
60
30
900
50
700
500
80
70
20
800
30
90
40
600
70
400
500
30
70
Round 210 to the nearest hundredT
Round 251 to the nearest hundredC
Round 503 to the nearest hundredO
Round 21 to the nearest tenQ
Round 561 to the nearest hundredY
Round 46 to the nearest tenF
Round 701 to the nearest hundredR
Round 41 to the nearest tenK
Round 428 to the nearest hundredH
Round 801 to the nearest hundredU
Round 56 to the nearest tenP
Round 84 to the nearest tenM
Round 30 to the nearest tenE
Round 72 to the nearest tenS
Round 89 to the nearest tenA
Round 888 to the nearest hundredD
0/16 letters found
Clue 4
Addition
Add up the points scored in each quarter to complete the scorekeeper log and reveal who visited the bench.
Solve each problem to learn its letter. Then write that letter in every box that shows the same number, and read the secret clue.
F
63
91
62
95
96
58
87
62
84
78
60
64
91
50
54
58
93
84
58
64
64
54
77
34
87
77
95
77
42 + 21 =F
50 + 45 =N
29 + 25 =H
65 + 28 =I
12 + 22 =S
15 + 35 =P
30 + 48 =L
33 + 44 =E
25 + 39 =T
21 + 39 =Y
35 + 56 =O
36 + 60 =D
49 + 35 =R
34 + 28 =U
45 + 42 =C
36 + 22 =A
0/16 letters found
Clue 5
Missing addends — the last clue
Some practice cones are missing from the equipment rack. Find the missing addend to balance the inventory and catch the villain.
First solve each problem. Then find each answer in the list below and cross that sentence out. One sentence will be left — that's exactly what the villain did!
Step 1 — solve these
2 + ___ = 9
9 + ___ = 20
1 + ___ = 6
6 + ___ = 10
2 + ___ = 14
6 + ___ = 9
8 + ___ = 17
9 + ___ = 10
10 + ___ = 12
5 + ___ = 15
3 + ___ = 11
Step 2 — cross out the sentence with each answer
1.The villain tossed a no look pass, then laced up high top kicks.
2.The villain launched a sky hook, then straightened striped socks.
3.The villain did a crossover dribble, then grabbed a whistle lanyard.
4.The villain executed a slam dunk, then laced up high top kicks.
5.The villain launched a sky hook, then grabbed a whistle lanyard.
6.The villain hit a three pointer, then straightened striped socks.
7.The villain launched a sky hook, then adjusted a neon headband.
8.The villain tossed a no look pass, then pulled on padded sleeves.
9.The villain executed a slam dunk, then straightened striped socks.
10.The villain did a crossover dribble, then straightened striped socks.
11.The villain hit a three pointer, then grabbed a whistle lanyard.
12.The villain launched a sky hook, then pulled on padded sleeves.
Solve it
Name the culprit
Choose the one suspect left standing.
Answer Key — The Championship Trophy Mystery
Culprit: Nikola Jokic (Three Pointer · Striped Socks · Left Handed · Curly Top · Squeaky Shoes)
- Clue 1 (Place value): "THE VILLAIN DOES NOT WEAR PADDED SLEEVES"What number has 9 tens and 6 ones? = 96 (T) · What number has 7 tens and 9 ones? = 79 (H) · What number has 5 tens and 3 ones? = 53 (N) · What number has 7 tens and 3 ones? = 73 (E) · What number has 7 tens and 2 ones? = 72 (R) · What number has 4 tens and 5 ones? = 45 (P) · What number has 9 tens and 7 ones? = 97 (D) · What number has 3 tens and 6 ones? = 36 (I) · What number has 3 tens and 7 ones? = 37 (V) · What number has 3 tens and 9 ones? = 39 (S) · What number has 8 tens and 9 ones? = 89 (W) · What number has 6 tens and 2 ones? = 62 (L) · What number has 5 tens and 1 one? = 51 (A) · What number has 5 tens and 8 ones? = 58 (O)
- Clue 2 (Skip counting): "WITNESS SAW A LEFT HANDED PLAYER"Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, ___, 24, 27 = 21 (W) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, ___, 50, 55 = 45 (N) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, ___, 12, 15 = 9 (D) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, ___, 8, 10 = 6 (I) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, ___, 10, 12 = 8 (R) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, ___, 39, 42 = 36 (H) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, ___, 30, 33 = 27 (P) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, ___, 28, 30 = 26 (E) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, ___, 21, 24 = 18 (F) · Skip-count by 5s. Fill the blank: 5, 10, 15, 20, ___, 30, 35 = 25 (A) · Skip-count by 2s. Fill the blank: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, ___, 30, 32 = 28 (Y) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, ___, 100, 110 = 90 (S) · Skip-count by 10s. Fill the blank: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, ___, 150, 160 = 140 (L) · Skip-count by 3s. Fill the blank: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, ___, 42, 45 = 39 (T)
- Clue 3 (Rounding): "THE SUSPECT STOPPED FROM SQUEAKY SHOES"Round 210 to the nearest hundred = 200 (T) · Round 251 to the nearest hundred = 300 (C) · Round 503 to the nearest hundred = 500 (O) · Round 21 to the nearest ten = 20 (Q) · Round 561 to the nearest hundred = 600 (Y) · Round 46 to the nearest ten = 50 (F) · Round 701 to the nearest hundred = 700 (R) · Round 41 to the nearest ten = 40 (K) · Round 428 to the nearest hundred = 400 (H) · Round 801 to the nearest hundred = 800 (U) · Round 56 to the nearest ten = 60 (P) · Round 84 to the nearest ten = 80 (M) · Round 30 to the nearest ten = 30 (E) · Round 72 to the nearest ten = 70 (S) · Round 89 to the nearest ten = 90 (A) · Round 888 to the nearest hundred = 900 (D)
- Clue 4 (Addition): "FOUND A CURLY TOP HAIR AT THE SCENE"42 + 21 = 63 (F) · 50 + 45 = 95 (N) · 29 + 25 = 54 (H) · 65 + 28 = 93 (I) · 12 + 22 = 34 (S) · 15 + 35 = 50 (P) · 30 + 48 = 78 (L) · 33 + 44 = 77 (E) · 25 + 39 = 64 (T) · 21 + 39 = 60 (Y) · 35 + 56 = 91 (O) · 36 + 60 = 96 (D) · 49 + 35 = 84 (R) · 34 + 28 = 62 (U) · 45 + 42 = 87 (C) · 36 + 22 = 58 (A)
- Clue 5 (Missing addends): surviving statement (box 6) → Nikola Jokic2 + ___ = 9 = 7 · 9 + ___ = 20 = 11 · 1 + ___ = 6 = 5 · 6 + ___ = 10 = 4 · 2 + ___ = 14 = 12 · 6 + ___ = 9 = 3 · 8 + ___ = 17 = 9 · 9 + ___ = 10 = 1 · 10 + ___ = 12 = 2 · 5 + ___ = 15 = 10 · 3 + ___ = 11 = 8
About this mystery
- Grade level
- Grade 2 math
- Math topics
- Place value, Skip counting, Rounding, Addition, Missing addends
- Reading level
- grades 3-4
- Theme
- The Championship Trophy Mystery — set in Harbor City Arena
- Format
- Interactive online & printable worksheet with answer key
- Solution
- One unique, verified culprit among 21 suspects