Longest Game in NBA History: A 6-Overtime Epic
On January 6, 1951, the NBA witnessed its longest game ever, which was a six-overtime clash between the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals. The tempo was much slower compared to today because there was no shot clock, making every possession intentional. After nearly 78 minutes of actual game time and over four hours spent in the arena, the Olympians emerged victorious with a score of 75 to 73. This game wasn’t about flashy moves or high scores, it was all about determination, clever tactics, and enduring sheer fatigue. Even after more than 70 years, no NBA game has lasted longer.
Image Source: talkerofthetown.com(Photo Credit: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Jan 7, 1951)
The Six Overtime Classic
The table below shows all the key details about the longest game in NBA history, including the date, location, final score, and other important facts from this six-overtime classic.
| Detail | Information |
| Date | January 6, 1951 |
| Season | 1950–51 NBA Season |
| Teams | Indianapolis Olympians vs Rochester Royals |
| Final Score | Olympians 75 – Royals 73 |
| Overtimes | 6 |
| Venue | Edgerton Park Arena, Rochester, New York |
| Game Duration | Approx. 78 minutes (over 4 hours real time) |
| Scoring by Period | Olympians: 20, 18, 19, 8, 2, 0, 2, 0, 4, 2 / Royals: 10, 23, 20, 12, 2, 0, 2, 0, 4, 0 |
| Top Scorer(Olympians) | Ralph Beard(17 points) |
| Top Scorer(Royals) | Arnie Risen(26 points) |
| Field Goal % | Olympians: 39.5% / Royals: 38.8% |
| Free Throw % | Olympians: 100% (11/11) / Royals: 58.3% (7/12) |
Period by Period breakdown (Indianapolis Olympians vs Rochester Royals)
Quarter 1: Olympians start strong
Score: 20-10
The Indianapolis Olympians started off strong right from the opening tip, passing the ball effectively and making their shots. Their defense was tight against the Royals, causing them to take poor shots and commit turnovers. By the end of the first quarter, Olympians led 20-10, establishing the tone for what would turn out to be the longest game in NBA history.
Quarter 2: Royals fight back
Score: 18-23
The defending champions, the Rochester Royals, stayed calm despite a rough beginning. They focused on their big player, Arnie Risen, in the paint, and he made his moves, scoring and getting fouled. Their improved defense slowed down the Olympians, and a 23-18 second quarter brought Olympians lead down to just 38-33 by halftime.
Quarter 3: Close Game
Score: 19-20
After halftime, the game turned into a challenging half-court struggle. Both teams’ defenses were intense, making every shot feel like a battle. Rochester narrowly won the third quarter 20-19, but with Alex Groza and Ralph Beard at the forefront, the Olympians maintained a slight 57-53 advantage as they entered the fourth quarter.
Quarter 4: Royals tie it up
Score: 8-12
In the last quarter, the Royals took their time, using the no-shot-clock period to manage each possession. Their defense was really focused, limiting the Olympians to only 8 points. Rochester managed to score 12, which was enough to tie the game at 65–65 and push it into what turned out to be six overtimes(the longest in NBA history).
Overtime 1: Overtime Stalemate
Score: 2-2
The initial overtime focused on being cautious. Both teams took their time, safeguarding the ball and looking for the perfect opportunity to score. Each team managed to score only once, keeping the score tied at 67-67, indicating that this game was definitely not finished.
Overtime 2: Scoreless Stretch
Score: 0-0
By the time the second overtime rolled around, both teams were completely exhausted. Their shots were falling short, and neither defense was giving an inch. Not a single point was scored by either team. It became the first scoreless overtime of the game as the tension continued to rise in this 1951 marathon.
Overtime 3: Still Even
Score: 2-2
In the third overtime, things finally started to happen, as both teams managed to score a basket and end the scoring drought. However, neither team could take the lead, and the score remained tied at 69-69 as the long game continued.
Overtime 4: Another Zero
Score: 0-0
By the fourth overtime, both teams were totally exhausted. No one could score, and for the second time in the game, an entire extra period finished without any points. The scoreboard remained at 69-69, highlighting just how worn out yet resolute both teams were.
Overtime 5: Trading Buckets
Score: 4-4
In the fifth overtime, both teams managed to ignite some energy, exchanging baskets for their highest scoring in extra time so far four points each. However, neither team could deliver the final blow, and the score remained tied at 73-73 as they entered the sixth overtime.
Overtime 6: Olympians Break Through
Score: 2-0
In the sixth and last overtime, the Olympians really pushed themselves. Ralph Beard made the crucial jumper that put them ahead, and their defense completely stopped the Royals. The 2-0 period secured a 75-73 victory and marked the longest game in NBA history.
