A standard National Basketball Association (NBA) game is structured into four equal periods of play. Each of these periods is referred to as a quarter, contributing to the total game time before the possibility of overtime. For instance, a game proceeds through the first, second, third, and fourth segments, culminating in a result or necessitating further periods.
The four-quarter structure provides a defined framework for gameplay, strategy, and statistical tracking. It allows for balanced player rotations, strategic adjustments by coaching staff, and consistent tracking of player and team performance across various phases of the contest. This structure has been a constant throughout the league’s history, contributing to the predictability and familiarity of the game for both participants and spectators.