Basketball is a sport known for its electrifying, fast-paced action. Games are typically over in a matter of hours, but that wasn’t the case for the longest basketball game ever played. On December 21, 1981, two teams faced off in a game that lasted an incredible 77 hours, or 3 days and 9 hours.
Background
The game was organized by the Chariteam Foundation, an organization based in Germany that raised money for charitable causes. The goal of the game was to set a Guinness World Record for the longest basketball game ever, with the proceeds from the event going to a local charity.
The game was played at the Stadthalle in Mainz, Germany. It began on December 21 and the teams played continuously until December 24. The teams were made up of two groups of 13 players each. The teams were captained by former German basketball players Detlef Schrempf and Uwe Blab.
Rules and Format
The game was played in a continuous format, with no timeouts or breaks. The rules of the game were similar to those of a normal basketball game, but with a few modifications. The teams were allowed to make a substitution every 10 minutes, and each player was limited to playing 20 minutes per hour. In addition, the game was played in four periods, each lasting 12 hours.
The teams were divided into four-player units, and each unit was assigned to a specific period. The teams then rotated throughout the game, with each period starting with a new set of players. This allowed the teams to stay well-rested and energized throughout the game.
Results
The game finally ended after 77 hours, with the final score being 1237-1230. The result was so close that the officials had to review the score several times before finally confirming the result.
Interestingly, the players on both teams managed to stay in good spirits throughout the game. Despite the long hours, the players managed to stay focused and motivated, and they even managed to find time to joke and laugh.
The game was a success, and it served as a great platform for the Chariteam Foundation to raise money for their charitable cause.
Legacy
The longest basketball game ever has achieved legendary status, and it stands as a testament to the endurance and determination of the players involved. It has also been used as a source of inspiration for other endurance events, such as marathons and cycling races.
The game was featured in the Guinness Book of World Records, and it is still remembered fondly by basketball fans around the world.
Conclusion
The longest basketball game ever played lasted an incredible 77 hours, and it stands as a testament to the determination and endurance of the players involved. The event was a great success, and it continues to serve as an inspiration for athletes and charities around the world.