The typical duration of a National Basketball Association contest is a figure often cited and considered a general benchmark for game length. This encompasses the active playing time, stoppages for fouls, timeouts, quarter breaks, and the halftime intermission. For instance, a game might clock in at approximately two hours and fifteen minutes to two hours and thirty minutes.
Understanding this duration is useful for scheduling purposes, broadcast planning, and fan engagement. Historical analysis reveals variations in this figure due to rule changes impacting pace of play, such as adjustments to the shot clock or the number of permitted timeouts. Efficient game management contributes to a positive viewing experience and minimizes disruptions to television programming.