Professional basketball is a competitive sport played by teams of five players on a rectangular court. The objective is to score points by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop, which is elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game is divided into four quarters, and teams can score through field goals or free throws. The most prominent professional league is the National Basketball Association (NBA), which features top players from around the world. Each team plays an 82-game regular season, followed by playoffs to determine the league champion. Professional basketball emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and athleticism.