The National Basketball Association, or NBA, is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world. The league has been around for over 70 years and has seen countless memorable moments over the years. One of the most exciting aspects of the NBA is when games go into overtime. Overtime is when a game is tied at the end of regulation, and an additional period of play is added to determine the winner. In this article, we will discuss the most overtimes in an NBA game.
What is Overtime in the NBA?
Overtime in the NBA is an additional period of play that is added to a game when the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, or regulation time. Each overtime period is five minutes long, and the game continues until one team scores more points than the other, or until the maximum number of overtime periods has been played.
What is the Record for Most Overtimes in an NBA Game?
The record for the most overtimes in an NBA game is six. This record has been achieved four times in NBA history, with the most recent being in 1951. The games that have gone into six overtimes are:
- Indianapolis Olympians vs. Rochester Royals (1949)
- Minneapolis Lakers vs. Indianapolis Olympians (1951)
- Syracuse Nationals vs. Anderson Packers (1951)
- Baltimore Bullets vs. Boston Celtics (1951)
What Happens if a Game Goes into Multiple Overtimes?
If a game goes into multiple overtimes, the game continues until one team scores more points than the other, or until the maximum number of overtime periods has been played. If the game is still tied after the maximum number of overtime periods, the game is declared a tie, and each team is awarded half a win and half a loss in the standings.
Why Do Some Games Go into Overtime?
Games can go into overtime for a variety of reasons. Sometimes one team makes a late comeback and ties the game at the end of regulation. Other times, the game is closely contested throughout, and neither team is able to pull away and win in regulation. Whatever the reason, overtime can be one of the most exciting parts of an NBA game.
What Are Some Memorable Overtime Games in NBA History?
The NBA has seen many memorable overtime games over the years. Here are a few of the most famous:
- Game 6 of the 1976 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Phoenix Suns went into triple overtime, with the Celtics eventually winning 128-126.
- Game 5 of the 1997 NBA Finals between the Chicago Bulls and the Utah Jazz went into double overtime, with the Bulls winning 90-88.
- Game 6 of the 2008 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers went into overtime, with the Celtics winning 131-92 to capture their 17th NBA championship.
Conclusion
Overtime in the NBA can be one of the most exciting parts of a game. The record for the most overtimes in an NBA game is six, and there have been many memorable overtime games throughout the league's history. Whether it's a buzzer-beating shot or a thrilling comeback, overtime can provide some of the most memorable moments in NBA history.