Tokyo Olympics 2020: 5 Major rule differences between the NBA and Olympic basketball

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NBA
NBA

#4 Basket interference

The rim rules differ in the NBA and FIBA tournaments
The rim rules differ in the NBA and FIBA tournaments

In FIBA based events such as the Olympics, once the ball fits the rim of the basket, it is fair play for both the teams. Any player can reach the ball and either tip it in or move it away from the net. There are no restrictions when it comes to touching the ball once it has touched the rim.

The same doesn't go for the NBA. In the NBA, once the ball is above the rim of the basket, it cannot be touched by any of the players. If any player touches the ball after it is above the rim, it becomes an interference violation.

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For players who love to play under the rim, this rule is quite the blessing. During the NBA season, players need to be careful not to violate this rule.


#5 Fouls

In the Olympics, only 5 fouls are allowed
In the Olympics, only 5 fouls are allowed

The number of personal fouls allowed in the NBA is 6, whereas in the Olympics (and other international tournaments), the number is 5. In the NBA, technical fouls are not counted for the foul limit while the same is counted in the Olympics.

While the time taken post one foul does not make too much of a difference, it is only because the game is eight minutes shorter than the NBA. Also, similar to the NBA, teams will get the bonus only after the 5th team foul in a particular quarter, and if it is the final two minutes, then the second.

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Edited by Prasen Moudgal
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