You're sitting there, maybe checking your watch or staring at the pre-game highlights on the big screen at Chase Center, wondering if you'll make that 9:00 PM dinner reservation. Or maybe you're just trying to figure out if you can squeeze in one more episode of whatever you're bingeing before the Dubs tip off. I get it. Predicting what time does the Golden State Warriors game end isn't exactly a perfect science, but we can get pretty close by looking at how the NBA actually functions in 2026.
Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Warriors are taking on the Charlotte Hornets at home. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 PM PST. If you are looking for the short answer: expect the final buzzer to sound somewhere between 7:45 PM and 8:05 PM PST.
Why the 20-minute window? Well, basketball has a way of stretching itself out. Between the 12-minute quarters and the "TV timeouts" that seem to happen every time Steph Curry breathes, a lot happens off the game clock.
The Math Behind the Final Buzzer
The actual "game" is only 48 minutes long. If only it were that simple. In reality, an average NBA game in the 2025-2026 season lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Some are faster, especially if there aren't many fouls. Others drag on forever.
If you’re at Chase Center for the 5:30 PM start, here is a rough breakdown of how your night is going to go:
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- Tip-off (5:30 PM): The ball goes up. Usually, this is actually 5:40 PM because of intros and ceremonies.
- First Half (5:40 PM – 6:35 PM): This usually takes about 55 minutes.
- Halftime (6:35 PM – 6:50 PM): Exactly 15 minutes. Long enough to grab a beer, but the line for those Mission Bay tacos is always longer than you think.
- Second Half (6:50 PM – 7:50 PM): This part of the game often feels slower because of those high-stakes late-game timeouts.
Basically, you’re looking at a 7:50 PM finish on average. If the game is a blowout and the refs aren't calling much, you might be out by 7:40 PM. If it's a grind-it-out defensive battle? Plan for 8:10 PM.
Why Some Warriors Games Last Longer
Not every game is created equal. Honestly, there are a few specific things that can keep you in your seat way past the two-hour mark.
The Overtime Factor
If the score is tied at the end of regulation, you're looking at a 5-minute overtime period. But that 5 minutes of game time takes about 15 minutes of real time. If we go into double or triple OT? You’re looking at a 9:00 PM finish. It's rare—only happening in about 6% of games—but it happens.
Replay Reviews and "Ref-Ball"
We've all been there. The refs go to the monitor to see if a ball went off Draymond Green’s pinky or if a block was actually a charge. In 2026, these reviews are supposed to be faster, but they still add about 3 to 5 minutes to the total runtime. If there are a lot of challenges, it adds up quickly.
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The "Intentional Foul" Slog
The last two minutes of a close game can take 20 minutes to play. The constant fouling to stop the clock and the strategic timeouts make the end of the game feel like it's moving through molasses. If the Warriors are up by 20, the end comes fast. If they’re up by 2? Buckle up.
Planning Your Night at Chase Center
If you’re actually at the arena, the game ending is only half the battle. You’ve still got to get home. Chase Center is a "Transit First" venue, so your ticket is actually a free Muni pass.
Most people start heading for the exits with about two minutes left if it’s a blowout. If you stay for the final horn at roughly 7:55 PM, expect to be on a train or in an Uber by 8:30 PM. The Central Subway makes things a lot easier than the old days at Oracle, but the crowds are still no joke.
Future Games to Watch
If you're planning ahead for the rest of the month, the timing stays fairly consistent for these home starts:
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- Jan 19 vs. Miami Heat: 7:00 PM start, ends around 9:15 PM.
- Jan 20 vs. Toronto Raptors: 7:00 PM start, ends around 9:15 PM.
- Jan 30 vs. Detroit Pistons: 7:00 PM start, ends around 9:15 PM.
The weekend games (like tonight's) are usually earlier, which is great if you've got kids or just want to be in bed before midnight.
Your Game-Day Checklist
To make sure you aren't caught off guard by the clock, keep these things in mind:
- Check the Broadcast: National games on TNT or ESPN usually run about 10 minutes longer than local NBC Sports Bay Area broadcasts because the commercial breaks are slightly longer.
- Monitor the Score: If the game is within 5 points with five minutes left, add 15 minutes to your expected "end time."
- Transit Prep: Download the Warriors + Chase Center app. It gives you real-time Muni and Caltrain schedules so you can time your exit perfectly.
- The "Garage" Rule: If you parked in one of the nearby Mission Bay lots, give yourself an extra 30 minutes to actually get your car out of the structure after the game ends.
Knowing what time does the Golden State Warriors game end helps you plan your life, but remember that the beauty of basketball is the unpredictability. Whether it's a buzzer-beater or a triple-overtime thriller, sometimes the best games are the ones that make you late for dinner.
Grab your gear, check the Muni schedule, and get ready for tip-off. The Dubs are looking for another "W" tonight, and now you know exactly how much time you need to clear on your calendar.