The final two minutes of an NBA game can last a while.
Between timeouts and replay reviews, there can be too many stoppages down the stretch in some games.
The pressure intensifies and every play is under a microscope during and after the game. While players might say that a game isn’t won or lost on a single play late in the fourth, it sometimes does alter the outcome. That’s why referees are allowed to use instant replay for a closer look at some calls.
After all, the human eye can’t catch everything in real-time.
The Sporting News breaks down the replay review rules below.
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When can NBA referees check instant replay?
(Per the NBA’s official 2023-24 rulebook)
NBA referees have a handful of reasons to check the instant replay monitor even before the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime. These rules also apply for the final two minutes.
- Referees are uncertain whether a player made a shot prior to the game clock expiring at the end of any quarter or overtime period
- A foul was issued at the end of any quarter or overtime period
- Referees are uncertain whether a personal foul meets the criteria to be upgraded to a flagrant foul
- A hostile altercation occurs
- Referees are uncertain whether there should be time added to the game clock at the end of any quarter or overtime period
- Referees are uncertain whether a made field goal was a 2-pointer or 3-pointer. This also applies on shooting fouls to award the player the correct amount of free throws
- Referees are uncertain whether a player made the shot before the expiration of the shot clock
- Referees are uncertain whether a personal foul meets the criteria of a clear-path-to-the-basket foul
- Referees are uncertain whether a foul is on the floor or in the act of shooting
- Referees are uncertain whether an off-ball foul occurred before the shot was released on a successful bucket
- Referees are uncertain whether a team had the correct amount of players on the court
NBA officials have a separate set of rules that only apply during the final two minutes, in addition to the aforementioned rules.
- Referees are uncertain which team should be awarded possession on an out-of-bounds call
- Referees are uncertain whether the ball touched the rim, thus needing to check the shot or game clock for a potential adjustment
- Referees are uncertain whether a player was standing in the restricted area when taking a block/charge
- Referees are uncertain if a goaltending or offensive basket interference was called correctly on the floor