The longest game in NBA playoff history was in 1953 and in 1957, each lasting 67 and 68 minutes, respectively. The Boston Celtics and Syracuse Nationals played the first on March 21, 1953, in Game 2 of the Eastern Division Semifinals. Boston outlasted its opponent 111–105 in four overtimes at Boston Garden.
The six-time NBA champion guard of the Celtics, Bob Cousy, put on a legendary show, scoring 50 points and setting a playoff record by making 30 out of 32 free throws. From Syracuse, Red Rocha and Paul Seymour each set the playoff record for minutes played with 67 minutes.
2/2 4OT Playoff game: Boston 111, Syracuse 105 (3/21/53) Once Boston had the lead, head coach Red Auerbach ordered his team to keep the ball in Bob Cousy's hands, and Cooz dribbled until he was fouled. He set NBA Playoff records by attempting 32 free throws and making 30 of them. pic.twitter.com/bX5a5OE55W
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) May 4, 2019
The Celtics’ publicity manager, Howie McHugh, reportedly collapsed in the press box, while team owner Walter Brown left the arena mid game, calling the tension “too much,” according to From Way Downtown.
It was too much for me then. But I had to come back and watch the last few seconds.
he said.
Officials disqualified multiple players and called 107 fouls. Referees Arnold Heft and Charlie Eckman later described it as the most difficult game they had ever officiated.
It was the toughest one I ever worked. We didn’t get a chance to let up from start to finish.
Eckman said.
The Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets Played Longest NBA Playoff Game
More than six decades later, on May 3, 2019, the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets matched the 68-minute record in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Portland prevailed 140–137 in another four-overtime classic.
May 3, 2019 (Nuggets-Blazers 2nd Rd G3):
— 🇨🇦𝘽𝙧𝙪𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙒𝙧𝙡𝙙🇵🇭 (@OwnHimBrunson) June 14, 2024
Portland outlasts the Nuggets in 4 Overtimes in a memorable back-and-forth classic.pic.twitter.com/47gqBOw6vK
CJ McCollum scored 41 points to lead Portland. Damian Lillard added key baskets in regulation and overtime. Denver center Nikola Jokić recorded a triple-double with 33 points, 18 rebounds, and 14 assists. Jamal Murray scored 34. Rodney Hood, subbed in late in the fourth overtime, hit a go-ahead three-pointer that gave the Blazers the lead for good.
Separated by 66 years, these two marathon playoff games remain tied as the longest in NBA history. The record could be broken if another game extends past multiple overtimes in the near future.
READ: What is the most points scored by an NBA team in the first half?
I am a writer passionate about telling the stories behind the game of basketball. From the culture and personalities shaping the sport to the moments that define it, I explore basketball beyond the box score.
