And 99% of the time, it will be whistled and corrected immediately. (at least here; I understand that some don't follow that procedure -- this isn't intended to invite debate on the merits of either procedure)

So back to this. Isn't before the 2nd live ball the same as during the 1st dead ball?

The first dead ball could be following a erroneously awarded 3-point goal.

I get that

But wouldn't the goal be the first dead ball .. erroneously or not

That is why when the error is made while the clock is running and ball dead they say the error can be corrected before the "second live" ball. Ball goes through basket. ball is dead. you erroneously signal 3. This could be construed as the first dead ball. maybe since the error occurred during this dead ball we shouldn't count it as the first dead ball? When they use the language before the "second live" ball we don't have to answer that question. The ball went through basket. ball dead. We know the first "live ball" happens when ball is at disposal of thrower in. Thrower in passes it inbounds and defense knocks it out of bounds. The ball is dead when it is out of bounds. Is it the first dead ball or the second dead ball? doesn't matter. We know when the ball is handed to the thrower in the ball becomes live again--the "second live ball." too late to fix the error.

No, the first dead ball is while the ball is bouncing around under the basket waiting for team B to put it at its disposal for a throw-in.

The rest is explained one post above this one by BigCat.

Gotcha ... appreciate your explanation:D