Top 10 Games with the Most Overtimes in NBA History

Every NBA match requires an overtime segment when both teams end regulation with an equal score in the four quarters. Each overtime segment lasts five minutes before an added overtime will begin until the game produces a winner.

Multiple-overtime games occur infrequently because they demand the maximum possible physical and mental effort from all players. Time extends beyond regulation length which causes exhaustion while tactics gain importance and every possession gains increased significance. Evolent matches are common occurrences but true basketball history is written by games that enter into double, triple, and successive overtimes. The NBA record for longest game occurred during six overtime periods which demonstrated extraordinary determination from both squads.

10 Most Overtime Games in NBA

The NBA overtime matches stand as the most dramatic and draining basketball competitions in history. The most captivating aspect of overtime games became remarkable when certain matches stretched past one additional period to exhaust teams both physically and mentally. The marathon matchups between teams produced remarkable shots and historical scoring achievements. Let us look at the extended games in NBA history that extended into multiple periods with the highest number of overtime extensions:

#10 Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers (1997) (3 Overtimes)

A total of three additional periods were extended on the November 14th game between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers in 1997. This was until the Suns secured their 140-139 win. Jason Kidd achieved a triple-double total with 14 points together with 14 assists and 11 rebounds and Cliff Robinson delivered 26 points for Phoenix.

Iswiah Rider from Portland delivered 33 points for the Blazers while Arvydas Sabonis produced 32 points which maintained their competitive stance against the Suns. Rex Chapman’s clutch last-minute scoring combined with Robinson’s decisive third-overtime jumper delivered victory to the Suns as they won an extraordinary marathon contest.

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#9. Golden State Warriors vs. New Jersey Nets (2006) (3 Overtimes)

On December 7th, 2006 New Jersey Nets defeated the Golden State Warriors in a marathon triple-overtime match that ended 120-114. New Jersey’s lead scorer became Vince Carter with 23 points yet Jason Kidd achieved a triple-double with 38 points along with 14 rebounds and 14 assists throughout the extended game.

The Warriors kept the game going until multiple overtime periods despite Baron Davis scoring 31 points yet New Jersey defeated them in the final extra frame because of exhaustion. This third overtime game between Kidd and the Nets established itself as one of the NBA’s most physically demanding contests in history because of their remarkable endurance.

#8. Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls (1984) (3 Overtimes)

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Chicago Bulls 186-184 during their triple-overtime match on December 18, 1984, making it the most high-scoring game in NBA history. Isiah Thomas became the top scorer for Detroit with both 47 points and 17 assists as John Long joined him with 41 points during the game. The Bulls kept the game alive through multiple overtime periods due to their star player Orlando Woolridge scoring 43 points.

The game entered overtime with both teams tied at 184 points until Detroit secured victory when Kelly Tripucka provided crucial scoring moments in the additional periods. The extensive offensive clash and endurance competitions between Detroit and Chicago proved this game was a timeless NBA classic while setting an unbroken scoring record in league history.

#7. Boston Celtics vs. Syracuse Nationals (1953) (4 Overtimes)

On March 21, 1953, the Boston Celtics defeated the Syracuse Nationals 111-105 through four consecutive overtimes during their playoff matchup. Bob Cousy marked basketball history by scoring 50 points during which he hit thirty free throws to set a new record. Both Red Rocha and Paul Seymour from Syracuse played the entire 67-minute match while Boston’s opponents fought back permanently in what turned out to be an unrelenting game.

The Nationals’ fight went in vain when Bob Cousy scored during the last overtime to clinch the victory which solidified the game as the toughest and longest postseason match in NBA history.

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#6. Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks (2017) (4 Overtimes)

On January 29, 2017, the Atlanta Hawks emerged victorious after playing a four-overtime match against the New York Knicks that ended with a score of 142-139. Paul Millsap carried the Hawks for an amazing 60-minute stretch to accumulate 37 points and register 19 rebounds combined with 7 assists.

Carmelo Anthony headed the Knicks with 45 points but ran out of fouls during the second overtime thus depriving the New York team of valuable players. The Hawks defeated the Knicks after four exhausting periods of overtime while Dennis Schröder and Courtney Lee kept the score-tied until the fourth overtime ended.

#5. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Chicago Bulls (1984) (4 Overtimes)

One of the longest NBA matches took place on March 16, 1984, when the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Chicago Bulls 156-155 after four extra overtime periods. During the game, Kiki Vandeweghe became the top scorer for Portland with 47 points and Clyde Drexler provided 27 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.

The Bulls stayed competitive through Quintin Dailey’s 35-point performance in the game that led to multiple extended periods because of his clutch scoring. The Blazers won their tough battle after Jim Paxson made the free throws in the fourth overtime period which decided the game.

#4. Chicago Bulls vs. Atlanta Hawks (2019) (4 Overtimes)

The NBA record for most points ever scored in a game occurred when the Chicago Bulls defeated the Atlanta Hawks 168-161 through four extra periods on March 1, 2019. The Chicago Bulls received 47 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists from Zach LaVine while Trae Young delivered 49 points alongside 16 assists as the key performer for Atlanta through key late-game shots to establish multiple extensions.

The Bulls took control of the fourth extended period by putting up thirteen points while allowing the Hawks only six to claim their marathon win. Such a game quickly emerged as a timeless NBA classic while displaying superhuman offensive power and remarkable endurance along with mental fortitude.

#3. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Seattle SuperSonics (1989) (5 Overtimes)

Milwaukee Bucks defeated their opponents Seattle SuperSonics throughout five exhausting overtimes to win 155-154. The game became one of the NBA’s longest contests. It happened on November 9, 1989. During the legendary game, Dale Ellis established an NBA record by remaining on the court for 69 minutes and managed to score 53 points while Xavier McDaniel reached 37 points for Seattle’s team.

As a substitute player, Ricky Pierce delivered 36 points to lead Milwaukee and stay competitive throughout the game. Milwaukee secured their win after the Sonics went on an 8-0 surge in the last overtime although Seattle failed to convert their last shot. The difficult match stressed the endurance levels of both teams to create a legendary multiple-overtime matchup that still stands as a historic NBA performance.

#2. Syracuse Nationals vs. Anderson Packers (1949) (5 Overtimes)

On November 24, 1949, the Syracuse Nationals defeated Anderson Packers in a marathon five-overtime contest that ended up with a Nationals victory of 125-123. Paul Seymour had two important functions for Syracuse when he continued to hit important free throws and played aggressive defense throughout the game. On the other hand, Frank Brian used his offensive strength to push Anderson forward.

The marathon contest dragged between Syracuse Nationals and Anderson Packers through regulation time and five periods of overtime as both squads exchanged control numerous times before total exhaustion took hold. The hard-fought win belonged to Syracuse after they took advantage of missed shots combined with Andrews’s turnovers to emerge victorious in what became recognized as a major event in NBA history.

#1. Indianapolis Olympians vs. Rochester Royals (1951) (6 Overtimes)

History remembers the 1951 NBA game between the Indianapolis Olympians and Rochester Royals which stretched across 6 overtimes until the Olympians secured their 75-73 victory on January 6. The match extended beyond six overtimes yet both squads chose to play at a deliberate speed to keep the scoring low. The Royals’ captain Arnie Risen scored 18 points but Ralph Beard and Alex Groza from the Olympians maintained the pace to secure their victory.

The teams maintained cautious gameplay through six extended periods but Indianapolis achieved victory only by prevailing in the sixth extra period. The historic game represents the pinnacle of endurance and tactical excellence in NBA history because of its multiple overtimes.

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