Earlier tonight, i went out to dinner at my local Hooters, and the Raptors games was on. I always thought that the NBA used an actual jump ball for every alternating possession situation, but i didn't see a jump ball to start the second quarter. I'm just wondering what happens at the beginning of a quarter that isn't the first.

This may sound like a stupid question, but i don't watch that much NBA, and i just couldn't figure this one out.

The team which gains first possession of the game will put the ball into play at their opponent's endline to begin the fourth period. The other team will put the ball into play at their opponent's endline at the beginning of the second and third periods. (NBA Rule 6-1-b)

Great call Shadow, They're also allowed to run the endline on the throw in as well.

But all other jump ball situations have an actual jump ball, right??

Yes, essentially the same things that cause a jump in high school and college create a jump ball in the NBA. Depending on the situation and the location, the jump will occur in the center circle or the 2 free throw circles, and, again depending on the situation, either between 2 designated jumpers or between any 2 opponents.

Interesting.
 

Thanks, ShadowStripes.
mick

The NBA and the ULEB (Union of European Basketball Leagues) have adopted a similar jump ball rule. The ULEB differences are mostly cosmetic (the old FIBA rule on location of some jump balls) and the quarter possession throw-in is at the center line, not at the end line.

NBA Rule 6, Section V states jump balls are between any two opponents in the center circle to start a game, a double free throw violation, double foul with neither team in control of the ball (if one team is in control, they retain control), double goaltending, dead ball with neither team in control of the ball, ball lodged between ring and backboard, double foul because of difference in opinion by officials, suspension of play in a loose ball, fighting with neither team in control of the ball, or an accidental whistle during a shot where the 24-second clock subsequently expires and the shot touches the ring and misses.

Section VI states any of the closest face-off circle (the free-throw lanes feature a face-off circle) during a held ball, double out-of-bounds, or when it is impossible to know which team last touched the ball. The first two involve the two offending players to tap.

Great point, ace. I had forgotten that the inbounder could run the endline.

Oh man, all we need are face-offs in basketball. Can we send one of the jumpers out of the circle if he tries to time the toss? :)