How does overtime work in basketball?
NBA Overtime Rules
In the NBA, if the score is tied after four quarters, a 5-minute overtime period is played. Each team gets two timeouts in overtime, and team fouls reset at the start of each overtime. If the score remains tied after one overtime, additional 5-minute periods are played until a winner is decided.
The overtime period begins with a jump ball at center court. The shot clock is 24 seconds, and all other rules apply as in regulation. There is no sudden death; the full overtime period is played even if a team takes a lead.
Other Leagues and Levels
In FIBA (international) play, overtime is 5 minutes, and if still tied, more 5-minute periods follow. In NCAA college basketball, overtime is 5 minutes, but if a second overtime is needed, it is also 5 minutes. In high school, overtime length varies by state; many use 4-minute periods.
Some leagues use a 'target score' or 'Elam Ending' in overtime, where a target score is set and the first team to reach it wins. This is used in The Basketball Tournament and was used in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
- NBA: 5-minute overtime periods, repeat if tied.
- FIBA: 5-minute overtime periods.
- NCAA: 5-minute overtime periods.
- High school: often 4-minute overtime, varies by state.
- Elam Ending: target score determines winner.
Common mistakes
- Thinking overtime is sudden death; in most basketball leagues, the full overtime period is played.
- Assuming team fouls carry over from regulation; in the NBA, team fouls reset at the start of each overtime.
- Believing overtime length is always 5 minutes; in high school, it can be shorter, and some leagues use different formats.
