Men’s basketball typically plays two halves in many international and college competitions, while in the NBA, games are played in four quarters. The reason for using halves in some formats can be traced to historical and structural choices, as well as the specific rules and traditions of different leagues.
1. Historical Tradition: The use of halves (two 20-minute periods) in basketball was adopted early on in the history of the sport, particularly in college basketball and international play. When basketball was first developed, many sports, including basketball, followed a format of two halves, which was common in early 20th-century athletic competitions.
2. Pace and Strategy: Playing in halves often affects the pacing of the game and how teams approach strategy. Coaches and players might manage their teams differently in a longer continuous half rather than having frequent breaks after each quarter. The break between halves offers a longer rest, which can influence coaching decisions and adjustments.
3. Differences in Leagues: While professional basketball leagues like the NBA use four quarters, many other leagues, especially at the college level (e.g., NCAA) and international levels (e.g., FIBA), prefer the half format. This is partly due to tradition and partly because the rules and structure of these leagues evolved differently.
4. International Basketball: FIBA, the governing body for international basketball, also uses two halves. This system allows for more continuous flow of play without the frequent stops that come with quarter-based systems, though the game still has natural breaks for timeouts, halftime, and other stoppages.
Ultimately, the decision to use halves instead of quarters is largely a result of the competition’s structure, history, and tradition, which vary between different basketball leagues.
