Overtime Basketball Games

OVERTIME BASKETBALL GAMES add a few minutes to the clock so the contest can be decided. But in 1989, the Seattle Supersonics wished they could’ve wrangled another couple of seconds in the longest NBA contest played under the 24-second shot clock rule.

Hosting Seattle, the Milwaukee Bucks led 102–97 as the season’s fourth game wound to a close. But the Supersonics ran off six straight points and went ahead 103–102 with 36 seconds remaining. Milwaukee’s Fred Roberts drew a late foul but connected on only one of two free throws, so the contest went to overtime tied at 103–103.

At the end of the first extra period, the scoreboard read 110–110. Another five-minute span elapsed, and the score stood knotted at 120–120. With five seconds left in the third overtime, the Bucks took a 127–125 lead, but Seattle forward Dale Ellis, who led all scorers with 53 points, nailed a shot to tie the game for a fourth time.

The contest remained locked at 138–138 after four overtimes. In the fifth, Milwaukee took command with a 9–0 run and moved in front 155–146 with 34 seconds left to play. But the Supersonics countered with Dana Barros’s three-pointer, Nate McMillan’s free throw, and Sedale Threatt’s rebound basket. Xavier McDaniel missed a desperation shot for Seattle as the clock ticked down, but he was fouled. Unfortunately for the Sonics, the infraction occurred inside the three-point arc. Although two points weren’t enough to claim the victory, McDaniel hit both free throws, and Milwaukee survived with a 155–154 five-overtime win.

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POINT The Supersonics and the Bucks managed to add 25 minutes to the normal 48-minute NBA game. They played more than an extra half, although Seattle may have wished for a little more time.

In life, many people may wish they had a few more hours, days, or years to live. But God gives us just one chance. Only he knows the length of our life. And he wants us to make the most of our time.

The book of Psalms records a prayer of Moses. This early leader asked God to teach him to get the most out of every moment. It was a wise thing to ask for in his day, and it’s a wise thing to ask for today.

GOAL! Memorize Psalm 90:12. Ask God to help you make the most of every second you have on earth.