The NBA continues to captivate basketball fans around the world. Many superstars have been playing great matches up until now, and in recent years, the rise of Japanese players has also increased dramatically in Japan. In this article, we will explain in detail the history, mechanisms, and popular players.
The NBA is the world’s best professional basketball league
The NBA (National Basketball Association) is a professional basketball league based in the United States and Canada. As of 2025, 30 teams are participating, including 29 teams from the United States and one from Canada.
The NBA is the pinnacle of sports entertainment that captivates fans around the world.
This league has an impact beyond the sport, with its outstanding physical abilities, tactical game developments and a passionate fan culture.
NBA History
The NBA is a historic basketball league that started in 1946. Here we will explain the history from the founding of the NBA to the present day.
Merger of founding and NBL
The history of the NBA began in 1946 with the establishment of the Basketball Association of America (BAA).
BAA was the first American professional basketball league. It merged with the NBL (National Basketball League) in 1949, and the current NBA was born.
The birth of the NBA has led to a unification of the professional basketball world, and the foundation of the league has been set.
Revival from a sluggish popularity、The Golden Age of the 90sfart
During the 1950s and 1960s, the NBA had a fan base.
However, in the 1970s, the popularity of the NBA began to sluggish due to the birth of rival leagues and the spread of drugs.
Signs of a revival of popularity were seen in the 1980s. The NBA has come to life with the arrival of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Furthermore, with the arrival of Michael Jordan, the NBA became recognized as a global sports league.
In particular, the Chicago Bulls, led by Jordan, won six times in the 1990s and created an era known as the “golden period of the NBA.”
The world’s best basketball leagueIn
Since the 2000s, the NBA has become more international, with leading players from around the world, including Europe and Asia, starting to participate.
Additionally, the development of digital distribution has enabled fans around the world to watch the games in real time.
Many superstars are still appearing today, and their popularity continues to grow without waning.
How the NBA works
The NBA has its own divisions and rules that no other league has.
Here we will explain the mechanism of the NBA in four points.
NBA Division Configuration
The NBA consists of 30 teams, divided into two parts: the Eastern Conference and the West Conference.
Each conference is further divided into three divisions, with the league being run with the region and efficiency of travel.
- Eastern Conference: Atlantic, Central, Southeast
- West Conference: Northwest, Pacific, Southwest
NBA tournament format
The NBA season is divided into three categories: the regular season, the postseason (playoffs) and the final.
During the regular season, each team competed in 82 games, and the top eight teams in each conference advanced to the postseason (playoffs).
The teams that have won both conferences will hold a finale, and the winner of that season will be decided.
NBA schedule
The regular season opens in the last week of October each year and continues until early April.
The postseason (playoffs) then begin, and the final will be held in June.
The NBA offseason is basically from mid-June to mid-October. During the offseason, summer leagues and summer camps will be held.
The difference between the Japanese basketball “B League” and the NBA
The NBA has several unique rules that differ from the FIBA (International Basketball Federation).
Therefore, players who are used to the NBA’s unique rules often struggle in international tournaments.
Here we will introduce the differences between the rules of the Japan B League and the NBA, which are established in accordance with FIBA, and the rules, which are more enjoyable if you keep a close eye on them before watching the game.
Differences in match times and rules
First, let’s look at the differences in match times.
- NBA…1 quarter 12 minutes x 4 = 48 minutes total
- B League (compliant with FIBA rules)… 1 quarter 10 minutes x 4 = 40 minutes total
The NBA is eight minutes longer than the B League, so players’ stamina and substitution strategies are even more important.
The other detailed differences in rules are summarized in the table below.
| rule | NBA | B League (FIBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Shot Clock | 24 seconds | 24 seconds |
| Backcourt rules | To the front court in 8 seconds | To the front court in 8 seconds (Former FIBA is 10 seconds) |
| Goal tenting | Strict | A little tolerant |
| 3-second defense rule | can be | none |
These differences influence the tempo and tactics of matches in both leagues. When watching the game, you’ll be able to enjoy it even more by comparing the differences.
Differences in play style
NBA basketball is a game where players can use their high physical abilities.A charming playIt is characterized by:
There are many dynamic plays that combine speed and power, such as dunking shots, alley oops (catching in the air and dunking), dribbling that instantly passes an opponent, and three-point shots from long distances.
On the other hand, the B League tends to place emphasis on team play and tactics, and there are many ways to fight by screening and passing the ball. Although physical and gorgeousness is not the same as the NBA, you can enjoy the depth of strategy.
In addition, the NBA’s game production aspects are flashier and larger than the B League. Entertainment production, music, camera work, and more are packed with entertainment elements. Even if you’re watching an NBA game for the first time, you’ll be insanely greeted with, “Amazing!”
Differences in coat size and 3P line
The size of the courts differs between the NBA and B League.
| project | NBA | B League (FIBA) |
|---|---|---|
| Coat size | Approximately 28.65m × 15.24m | About 28m × 15m |
| 3P line distance (longest) |
About 7.24m | About 6.75m |
| Paint area (Restricted area) |
Approximately 4.88m in size | Width 4.9m (almost equivalent) |
The NBA court is slightly wider and the 3-point line is farther, so successful shots require high accuracy and power.
Another feature is that the NBA’s 3P line has curved sides, and the difficulty of shooting changes depending on where you stand.
Japanese players who play an active role in the NBA
In recent years, Japanese players have been taking on the NBA challenges one after another, and their performance has attracted a lot of attention in Japan as well.
Hachimura Rui
Hachimura Rui was selected by the Washington Wizards as the first round of the 2019 draft. As of 2025, he is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers and is playing as the main player on the team. His main positions are power forward and center.
Kawamura Yuki
Kawamura Yuki was the first player from the B League to play in the NBA. He has signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies and has played for both the NBA and the G-League. His main position is point guard.
Watanabe Yuta
Watanabe Yuta is one of the few Japanese players who won a multi-year NBA contract. After playing for multiple NBA teams, he is currently playing for the Chiba Jets Funabashi in the B League. Positions are small forward and power forward
Tian Woyong Tai
In 2004 he became the first Japanese NBA player for the Phoenix Suns. He is currently affiliated with Utsunomiya Brex in the B League. His position is point guard.
How to enjoy the NBA
After reading this article, there are probably some who have felt that they want to watch an NBA game.
If you want to enjoy the NBA, you have the option to watch or watch on-site.
Watch on site
Watching the local games in the United States and Canada is a dream for basketball fans who want to experience it at least once in their lifetime.
With its impressive arena productions and luxurious halftime shows, it’s truly the ultimate in entertainment.
Tickets can be purchased from the official NBA website or from the respective team website. Using a spectator tour will save you the trouble of arranging a hotel or tickets.
Watch on TV or streaming
If you want to watch NBA games within Japan, we recommend “NBA Rakuten” or “WOWOW On Demand.”
NBA Rakuten in particular has a wide range of post-game highlights and special features, making it easy for people who find it difficult to watch in real time.
Also, notable matches are being broadcast on sports channels. If you are able to view it, you might want to check it out.
NBA Frequently Asked Questions
Finally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the NBA.
Q1.How long does the NBA game last?
A.NBA game time is 4 quarters ✕ 12 pointsIt takes a total of 48 minutes.
Including timeouts, halftime, extra time, etc., the actual travel time will take approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Q2.What is the NBA Summer League?
A. Summer League is a tournament where new players and free agent players selected in the NBA draft will participate.
It is held every summer and attracts attention from scouts and fans of each team as a place to test the players’ abilities.
Q3. How can a Japanese person become an NBA player?
A. Basicallymust either gain track record in American university leagues or get a reputation in international competitions.
Recently, there have been cases where players like Kawamura Yuki have tried to compete in the NBA after performing well in the Japanese B League. As the development of the development environment progresses, it is expected that opportunities will expand in the future.
The NBA is the world’s best basketball league
The NBA is the world’s finest professional basketball league based in the United States and Canada.
Every year, new stars are born and innovative rules and events are introduced, and it continues to evolve.
Furthermore, it has not only been a sports league, but has had a major impact on many areas, including culture and entertainment.
The NBA will continue to attract fans all over the world.
ENSPORTS fan also publishes articles about the basic basketball rules and watch etiquette. Please check that before watching the game.
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