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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-nba-overtime-five-minutes

When an NBA game is tied after four quarters, how long is each overtime?

5 minutes.

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  1. 3 minutes
  2. 4 minutes
  3. 5 minutes ✔

Why: Every NBA overtime period is 5 minutes. Teams keep playing overtimes until one team leads at the end.

Huh, didn't know that: NBA teams do not switch baskets for overtime.

The dad joke
Why did the tied teams keep playing? They just could not leave things even.
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References

Answer: 5 minutes. Every NBA overtime period is 5 minutes. Teams keep playing overtimes until one team leads at the end.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 5: Scoring and Timing official.nba.com/rule-no-5-scoring-and-timing
    All overtime periods of play will be five minutes.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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