The duration of a National Basketball Association (NBA) game is a subject of common interest. The standard regulation time allotted for a professional basketball contest is 48 minutes. This time is divided into four quarters, each lasting 12 minutes. However, the total time from start to finish is typically much longer.
A significant component extending the overall duration involves timeouts. Each team is granted a specific number of timeouts per game, adding several minutes. Furthermore, stoppages in play for fouls, reviews, and other administrative matters contribute considerably to the elapsed time. Historically, the rules governing these interruptions have evolved, subtly influencing the length of matches.