Andrew Pace
Basketball games can end in several ways, including when the clock runs out, if a team reaches a certain number of points, or if there is a game shutdown due to uncontrollable circumstances. Typically, a basketball game has four equally timed quarters, and the game ends after the fourth quarter runs out with the team having the most points declared the winner. However, there is growing interest in the Elam Ending, a format where there is no game clock, and teams play to a target score. This format was first used in The Basketball Tournament in 2017 and has since been adopted by other leagues, including the NBA G League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the new ending format | Elam Ending |
| Who is it named after | Nick Elam |
| First used by | The Basketball Tournament in 2017 |
| Widespread attention | 2020 NBA All-Star Game |
| Leagues that have adopted the format | Canadian Elite Basketball League, NBA G League, Unrivaled women's 3-on-3 basketball league |
| How it works | Instead of a game clock, teams play to a target score, with the shot clock still enforced |
| Target score | Set by adding 8 points to the leading team's score |
| Issues it aims to solve | Stalling and passive play by a leading team, intentional fouling by a losing team |
| Other sports that use this format | Ultimate Frisbee, soccer |
| Other names for the format | Final Target Score |
| Criticisms | Some critics say it reduces the excitement of the game, eliminates overtime and buzzer beaters |
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What You'll Learn
- The Elam Ending: a rules format to mitigate late-game fouling and maintain a natural flow
- Overtime: when a game goes into overtime, with the first team to score winning
- Buzzer beaters: when a player scores in the final seconds, often winning the game
- Forfeits: a game can end early due to player safety, uncontrollable circumstances, or COVID
- Timed format: the traditional format with four timed quarters, ending when the clock runs out
The Elam Ending: a rules format to mitigate late-game fouling and maintain a natural flow
The Elam Ending is a rules format for basketball that aims to mitigate late-game fouling and maintain a natural flow. It was designed by Nick Elam, a professor at Ball State University, who first proposed the concept in 2016. Frustrated by the frequent fouling and passive play that often plagued the end of basketball games, Elam devised a system where the game clock is turned off with four minutes remaining, and teams play to a target score instead of a time limit. This format eliminates the incentive for trailing teams to foul and encourages a more natural and exciting finish.
In the Elam Ending, the target score is set by adding a predetermined number of points to the leading team's score. For example, if the leading team has 80 points, the target score may be set at 88. The first team to reach or exceed this target score wins. This format ensures that the game remains competitive until the end, as trailing teams are incentivized to focus on strong defense and pure basketball possessions rather than relying on fouling to slow down the game clock.
The Elam Ending was first used by The Basketball Tournament in 2017 and has since been adopted by other leagues, including the NBA G League, the Canadian Elite Basketball League, and the Unrivaled women's 3-on-3 basketball league. While it has received positive feedback from fans and players for its ability to maintain intensity and excitement, some critics argue that it could encourage teams to commit fouls before the clock is turned off, counteracting the intended strategy.
The Elam Ending has also been compared to the way streetball is played, with a set target score and no game clock. This format emphasizes clutch performances and high-level offensive and defensive play, creating a more dynamic and engaging experience for both players and spectators. The implementation of the Elam Ending in various basketball leagues showcases a desire to enhance the natural flow of the game and provide a refreshing alternative to the traditional timed format.
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Overtime: when a game goes into overtime, with the first team to score winning
Basketball games can end in a few different ways, including when the clock runs out or when a team reaches a certain number of points. However, if the score is tied at the end of the fourth quarter, the game will go into overtime. Overtime rules can vary depending on the league and level of play.
In the NBA, for example, overtime periods are typically five minutes long, and teams are allowed two timeouts per overtime period. The timing devices are stopped during the last two minutes of overtime following a successful field goal attempt. If the score remains tied after the first overtime period, the procedure is repeated until a winner is determined. In rare cases, up to six overtime periods have been necessary to determine a winner in an NBA game.
In levels below collegiate/Olympic play, such as high school varsity, an overtime period is typically half the length of a standard quarter, or four minutes. Under international rules for full-court basketball, the alternating possession rule is used to start all overtime periods, while a jump ball is used under high school and NCAA rules.
It's worth noting that some formats, such as 3x3 basketball or pickup games, may have different rules for ending a game and may not include overtime periods. For example, the Elam Ending format, used in some tournaments and leagues, sets a target score at the leading score after a certain period plus a set number of points, and the first team to reach or exceed that score wins the game.
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Buzzer beaters: when a player scores in the final seconds, often winning the game
In basketball, a "buzzer beater" refers to a shot made just before the game clock expires, resulting in a win or a tie for the team that made the shot. The term is also used for baskets made at the end of a quarter, the second half, or overtime. A successful buzzer beater requires the ball to leave the player's fingers before the shot clock runs out. If the ball is still in the player's hands when the clock hits zero, the shot violates the Trent Tucker Rule and does not count.
Buzzer beaters are considered thrilling moments in basketball, often deciding the outcome of a game or even an entire season. They require a combination of physical skills, such as speed and agility, along with shooting accuracy and mental toughness to execute under pressure.
Some notable examples of buzzer beaters include the game-winning shot by Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers against the New York Knicks in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Another memorable buzzer beater was by Kostas Papanikolaou, who secured Greece's qualification for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup with a last-second win over Georgia.
Additionally, in the 1983 NCAA Championship Finals, NC State's Lorenzo Charles caught an airball and dunked it as time expired, defeating Houston 54-52. In the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals, Reggie Miller hit a game-winning 3-pointer with only 0.7 seconds left, leading Indiana to a 94-93 victory over Chicago. These clutch moments showcase the dramatic and exciting nature of buzzer beaters in basketball.
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Forfeits: a game can end early due to player safety, uncontrollable circumstances, or COVID
Basketball games can end early due to player safety, uncontrollable circumstances, or COVID. In terms of player safety, if a player is injured due to a flagrant foul or unsportsmanlike act by an opposing player, the game may be halted until playing conditions are safe again. Teams may call timeouts if their players are injured, and play will resume once the injured player is removed from the court.
Games may also end early due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as equipment damage, insufficient players, or fights breaking out on the court or in the stands. For example, a game may be cancelled if there is a power outage, the basketball hoop is broken, or the roof is leaking onto the court.
The COVID-19 pandemic also caused several disruptions to basketball games and seasons. On March 11, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA) paused its season after approximately 64 games due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The season resumed about five months later with the top 22 teams isolated in a "bubble" in Orlando, Florida, playing eight games each to end the regular season. Additionally, individual games were also affected by COVID-19 cases. For instance, an NBA game between the Jazz and Thunder was cancelled when Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19.
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Timed format: the traditional format with four timed quarters, ending when the clock runs out
Basketball games can be structured in a variety of ways, with different leagues adopting their own rules and formats. However, the traditional format in basketball consists of four timed quarters, with the game ending when the clock runs out. This format is used in the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA, as well as in international games. Each quarter typically lasts 10 minutes, providing a natural rhythm to the game and allowing for dynamic and responsive gameplay.
The four-quarter structure enables players to push the pace, reassess their strategies, and adapt to the competition. It also provides coaches with opportunities to tweak their tactics during breaks, contributing to the dynamic nature of the game. This format was first adopted by the NBA in 1954, driven by the desire for more commercial breaks, enhanced fan engagement, and increased TV revenue.
In contrast, men's college basketball has retained a two-half format, which is a living relic of Naismith's original vision of the sport. This deviation from the traditional four-quarter format has sparked intrigue among fans and prompted discussions about its origins and implications. The two-half format in men's college basketball is believed to contribute to a unique rhythm and pace, distinguishing it from other leagues and adding to the dramatic experience of the game.
While the traditional format of four timed quarters is widely used, some variations have been introduced, such as the Elam Ending. This format, proposed by Nick Elam, eliminates the game clock and instead focuses on a target score. It was first used in The Basketball Tournament in 2017 and gained widespread attention when it was chosen for the NBA All-Star Game in 2020. The Elam Ending aims to address issues such as stalling, passive play, and intentional fouling by removing the time element.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways a basketball game can end. Conventionally, a basketball game ends when the clock runs out after the fourth quarter, with the team that has more points declared the winner. Games can also end when a team reaches a certain number of points, or if a game goes into overtime, where the first team to score 7 points wins. Games can also end prematurely due to uncontrollable circumstances, such as player safety, equipment damage, or fights.
The Elam Ending is a rules format for basketball devised by Nick Elam, a professor at Ball State University. Unlike traditional basketball rules, the game clock is turned off near the end of the fourth quarter, and teams play to a target score. The first team to meet or exceed this target score wins. This format aims to address issues with stalling, passive play, and intentional fouling.
The NBA All-Star Game in 2020 featured an untimed fourth quarter, with the target score set as 24 points more than the leading team's score after the third quarter. This format was well-received and continued to be used in subsequent years. The NBA G League also adopted the Elam Ending for its 2022-23 season, implementing it for overtime periods.
