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NBA
A Coin Flip Controlled the Jazzâs Lottery Destiny
TL;DR
The Utah Jazz secured their draft pick through a tiebreaker system that operates like a coin flip. This win allows them to keep their pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Key points
- Utah Jazz won their draft pick tiebreaker
- NBA uses a machine for tiebreakers, not a coin flip
- Two teams have a 50% chance in a tiebreaker
- Jazz keep their pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder
- 13 teams competed for draft position
Utah JazzOklahoma City Thunder
Dec 15, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) holds the ball as Utah Jazz guard Ace Bailey (19) defends at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Does a coin toss determine whether the Utah Jazz keep their pick this season? The answer is somewhat complicated.
Although people call it a âcoin flip,â the NBA uses a machine similar to the lottery system. This machine determines the tiebreaker winner. The system gives two teams a 50% chance to win the tiebreaker. In a three-way tie, each team has a 33.3% chance.
With 13 teams competing for draft position (four with lottery implications), many fans and front offices look to Lady Luck for a prime position. The Jazz struck gold and won their tiebreaker, confirming that they keep their pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder. After all the stress and tribulation, Jazz fans and the front office alike can breathe a sigh of relief.
How Is a Tiebreaker Winner Determined?
If two teams enter a tiebreaker, the NBA places three logo-donned ping-pong balls for each team inside the machine. This gives the teams a 50% chance of winning the tie. They then let the ping-pong balls mix inside the machine for 20 seconds. After that time, a staff member presses a button to draw one ball and determine the winner.
Q&A
How does the NBA tiebreaker system work for draft picks?
The NBA uses a machine to determine tiebreakers, giving each team in a two-way tie a 50% chance to win.
What teams were involved in the tiebreaker with the Utah Jazz?
The Jazz were involved in a tiebreaker among 13 teams, with four having lottery implications.
What does winning the tiebreaker mean for the Utah Jazz?
Winning the tiebreaker means the Jazz can keep their draft pick from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
What are the chances for teams in a three-way tie in the NBA draft lottery?
In a three-way tie, each team has a 33.3% chance to win the tiebreaker.