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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bball-nba-team-foul-bonus

In an NBA quarter, after how many team fouls do common defensive fouls start giving free throws?

After the fourth team foul in a quarter, the bonus starts.

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  1. After the third team foul
  2. After the fourth team foul ✔
  3. After the fifth team foul

Why: Each NBA team gets four team fouls per quarter without extra penalty. The fifth common defensive foul and later such fouls give the opponent two free throws.

Huh, didn't know that: In NBA overtime, the bonus starts after just three team fouls.

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My team went over its foul budget.
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References

Answer: After the fourth team foul. Each NBA team gets four team fouls per quarter without extra penalty. The fifth common defensive foul and later such fouls give the opponent two free throws.

  1. NBA Official Rules, Rule 12: Fouls and Penalties official.nba.com/rule-no-12-fouls-and-penalties
    Each team is limited to four team fouls per regulation period without additional penalties.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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