In 2012, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Utah Jazz 139-133 in the first quadruple-overtime game in the NBA since the Phoenix Suns 140-139 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in 1997. The Hawks’ effort was led by Joe Johnson, who put up a game-high 37 points and 8 rebounds. Zaza Pachulia of the Hawks also played a pivotal role in the game. Pachulia contributed 15 points and grabbed 20 boards in the contest. Under coach Larry Drew, the 2011-12 Hawks finished 2nd in the NBA Southeast Division with a 40-26 record. Unfortunately, they lost to the Boston Celtics 2-4 in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Quadruple-overtime games are a rarity in the NBA. Despite the fact that there was a fifteen-year gap, 1997-2012, between the quadruple-overtime games… Since 2012, the NBA has witnessed three more occurrences. Coincidentally, the Hawks were a part of another thrilling 4OT win. On January 29, 2017, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks 142-139 in another grueling matchup.