Last Updated on: 4th August 2023, 11:49 pm
In basketball, overtime is a period of extra time added to the end of a game when the score is tied at the end of regulation time. Overtime is played to determine the winner of the game.
How Does Overtime Work In Basketball?
During overtime, the game continues with the same rules as regulation time, including fouls, timeouts, and possession of the ball. The team that scores the most points during the overtime period is declared the winner of the game. If the score is still tied at the end of the first overtime period, another overtime period is played until a winner is determined.
In the National Basketball Association (NBA), overtime periods are five minutes long. If the score is still tied at the end of the first overtime period, another five-minute overtime period is played, and so on, until a winner is determined. In college basketball, overtime periods are also five minutes long, but two overtime periods are limited. The game is declared a tie if the score is still tied at the end of the second overtime period.
Overtime periods can be exciting for fans, as they allow teams to make a comeback or for a close game to be decided by a single play. However, they can also be physically and mentally demanding for players, as they require additional time and effort beyond the already intense regulation time.
How Long Is Overtime In Basketball?
The length of overtime varies depending on the level of play. In the National Basketball Association (NBA), overtime periods are five minutes long. If the score is still tied at the end of the first overtime period, another five-minute overtime period is played, and so on, until a winner is determined.
In college basketball, overtime periods are also five minutes long, but two overtime periods are limited. The game is declared a tie if the score is still tied at the end of the second overtime period.
It’s worth noting that the length of overtime can vary in other basketball leagues and tournaments around the world. However, the most common length of overtime is five minutes, as it provides enough time for teams to make a comeback or for a close game to be decided by a single play while also ensuring that the game does not drag on for too long.
