SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-jump-ball-start

In the NBA, how does the game start?

With a jump ball in the center circle.

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  1. A coin toss
  2. A throw-in at midcourt
  3. A jump ball in the center circle ✔

Why: An official tosses the ball up between two opposing players in the center circle. NBA overtime periods start the same way.

Huh, didn't know that: If the official makes a bad toss, it is done over with the same jumpers.

The dad joke
Why was the referee great at jump balls? He always had a lot of ups.
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References

Answer: A jump ball in the center circle. An official tosses the ball up between two opposing players in the center circle. NBA overtime periods start the same way.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 6: Putting Ball in Play official.nba.com/rule-no-6-putting-ball-in-play-live-dead-ball
    The game and overtimes shall be started with a jump ball in the center circle.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.