The question “how long does an NBA game last” is a common one, especially for those who are new to the sport. The answer may seem simple, but there are actually a few different factors that can affect the length of a game.
An NBA game is divided into four quarters, each of which is 12 minutes long. However, the game clock only runs when the ball is in play. This means that the actual length of a game can vary depending on how many stoppages there are in play. For example, a game with a lot of fouls or turnovers will typically be longer than a game with few stoppages.