The game of basketball is one of the most popular in the world, but not everyone can tell how long one basketball game lasts. Quarters, overtimes, breaks, timeouts - their duration is often questionable.
How time is counted in basketball
Basketball is one of those sports where net time is kept. The referee's stopwatch works only when the ball is in play. If he leaves the field or there are pauses of another nature, the match time is stopped. Its countdown starts again after the ball is in play.
The game itself is split into four equal quarters. They can last either 10 or 12 minutes. At the same time, 12-minute segments are currently practiced only in the National Basketball Association (NBA), which exists in North America. In all other tournaments, one quarter is 10 minutes long.
The game begins with a jump ball, which is played in the center circle of the court. There are 2 minute breaks between quarters. In this case, the second and third quarters are separated by a long break - 15 minutes.
The basketball match is won by the team with the most points at the end of playing time (40 or 48 minutes, depending on the rules). If the score is equal, overtime is assigned (additional 5 minutes). Teams play until a winner is determined. There can be no draws, so as many overtimes are spent as required (one, two, three, etc.).
All figures quoted refer to net match time. If we take the usual time, then a basketball game, as a rule, takes about 1-2 astronomical hours (with pauses in the game, with breaks, overtime).
Special rules
Each team is given 24 seconds for one attack (32 in the NBA). Time is counted from the moment the ball hits the player's hands, and before it expires, the team must get rid of the basketball "shell". Otherwise, the referee will interrupt the attack with his whistle and pass the ball to the other team. As a rule, possession ends with a throw on the opponent's ring.
In addition, in the first 8 seconds of possession, the ball must be transferred from one's own half of the field to another's. And on a throw-in or during a free throw, the ball must leave the basketball player's hands within 5 seconds. There is also a rule of 3 seconds: this is the time limit for a player to be under the opponent's ring.
Game duration record
In 2006, North America hosted the longest basketball game ever. The Duke and North Carolina teams played for over 58 straight hours, from Saturday morning to Monday night. The match was held specifically to set a time record, and the proceeds from ticket sales were channeled to charity.
