7 Longest NBA Playoff Games in League History

The NBA Finals odds for some of these teams were pretty high, but despite how good they were, it took them several overtime periods to get the job done in these instances.

The games may have been long, but they were entertaining, and fans were eager to see who would win.

Let’s take a look at the longest NBA playoff games in league history.

7 Longest NBA Playoff Games in League History

1. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Denver Nuggets – 68 Minutes

In a contest tied for the most overtimes played in an NBA playoff game, the Nuggets had a chance to win in the first and third quarters, but CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard forced an extra period with clutch shots.

Rodney Hood then sent the Nuggets away by scoring seven of the Trail Blazers’ last nine points, including the game-winning 3-pointer.

2. Boston Celtics vs. Syracuse Nationals – 68 Minutes

This was a neck-and-neck battle throughout, but the Celtics pulled ahead in the fourth overtime by outscoring the Nationals 12-6.

Bob Cousy finished with 50 points, including 30 made free throws, which still stands as the record for the most free throws made in a single playoff game in NBA history.

3. Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets – 63 Minutes

The Nets were seemingly well on their way to victory, leading by 14 with less than three minutes remaining in regulation.

However, Nate Robinson saved his best for last, pouring in 12 of his 34 points to help the Bulls go on a 16-2 in that timespan to tie up the score.

The Bulls then outscored the Nets 15-7 in the third overtime.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies – 63 Minutes

Mike Conley forced overtime with a 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left in regulation.

Greivis Vásquez sank another triple with less than 10 seconds remaining in the first overtime to force another five minutes of play.

After another extra period, OKC’s defence finally stepped up in the third overtime, outscoring Memphis 14-4.

Russell Westbrook went off for 40 points. Kevin Durant added 35 points and 13 rebounds. James Harden chipped in 19 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists off the bench.

5. Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics – 63 Minutes

The Bulls held a 3-point lead late in the second overtime, but Ray Allen sank a 3-pointer to force another overtime.

John Salmons led the way with 35 points, helping Chicago force a Game 7 against the defending champs.

Derrick Rose provided 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.

Allen finished with 51 points for the Celtics.

6. New Jersey Nets vs. Detroit Pistons – 63 Minutes

Chauncey Billups launched a half-court heave to tie up the score at the end of regulation, ultimately forcing this game into three overtimes.

Richard Jefferson scored seven of his 31 points in the third overtime to help the Nets win the game and end up going up 3-2. Jefferson also had 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals. 

Jason Kidd added 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

7. Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls – 63 Minutes

A matchup between Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley in the Finals surely brought a ton of buzz, as Game 3 lived up to all the hype.

𝟔/𝟏𝟑/𝟏𝟗𝟗𝟑 – 𝐍𝐁𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝟑

Despite not leading in either of the first two overtimes, Dan Majerle & Charles Barkley helped the Suns outscore the Bulls 15-7 in 3OT to secure the thrilling Game 3 victory!@SweetJames | Sweet Plays Since ’68 pic.twitter.com/jwpft12ghT

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 11, 2023

The Suns managed to steal Game 3 after going down 2-0, but it took them three overtimes to get the job done, with Dan Majerle’s 3-pointer and Barkley’s steal and layup highlighting a 9-0 run to put the game away.

Majerle led Phoenix with 28 points. Barkley finished with 24 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists.

Jordan erupted for 44 points, nine rebounds, and six assists.