Here’s a clear and simple overview of the NBA (National Basketball Association) game rules:
🏀 Basic NBA Game Rules
⏱ Game Duration
- 4 quarters of 12 minutes each.
- Halftime: 15 minutes (between 2nd and 3rd quarter).
- Overtime: 5 minutes if the game is tied after 4 quarters.
👥 Team Composition
5 players on court per team (usually 2 guards, 2 forwards, 1 center). Up to 15 players on a team roster. Substitutions are unlimited but can only be made when the ball is dead.
🟡 Scoring
- Field Goal (basket made during play):
- 2 points (inside the three-point line)
- 3 points (beyond the three-point line)
- Free Throw: 1 point each
🔄 Possession & Shot Clock
- 24-second shot clock: Teams must attempt a shot within 24 seconds.
- 8-second rule: The offense must move the ball past half court within 8 seconds.
- 5-second rule: You must pass, shoot, or dribble within 5 seconds when closely guarded (in some cases).
❌ Fouls
- Personal Foul: Illegal contact (e.g., pushing, holding, hitting).
- Team Foul Penalty: After 5 fouls in a quarter, the opposing team gets free throws.
- Technical Foul: For unsportsmanlike behavior or arguing with referees.
- Flagrant Foul: Violent contact – may lead to ejection.
- Disqualification: A player is out of the game after 6 personal fouls.
🔁 Jump Ball & Possession
- Game starts with a jump ball.
- Possession alternates with each held ball situation.
🔄 Timeouts
Each team gets:
- 7 timeouts per game.
- 2 timeouts allowed in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter.