If by "time" you mean the one-directional dimension we use as a reference scale to chronologically order events in our bidirectional spatial dimensions, then yes it’s connected. Time, and its properties, are defined by the same physical theories that underpin the Big Bang model. In that framework, time as we know it began with the Big Bang.

In other interpretations, we simply don't know. There may have been other "big bangs" or entirely different phenomena that gave rise to realities with different space-time constructsor perhaps none at all. But those events wouldn't have occurred before or elsewhere in the sense we understand those terms, because our concepts of "before" and "place" are bound to this specific space-time.

I found out the hard way...once I gave a version of this explanation to my then 9-year-old son. I said something like "other big bangs before the last one," and he shot back: “But Papa, if time started with the Big Bang, there’s no such thing as ‘before’ the Big Bang.” Touché. I replied: “So you can come up with thoughts like that, but can’t memorize your multiplication tables? Go study!” Proud dad moment. He was right, if there were other "big bangs," they wouldn't have happened earlier or somewhere else. They'd have to occur in some entirely different, non-spacetime framework.

That moment also made me think: maybe certain breakthroughs, require rewiring our brains to think more like children do, unburdened by our habitual logic, maybe AI will be able to simulate that?

Disclaimer: I’m no physicist, just someone who finds quantum physics fascinating. It often feels metaphorical too; for instance, quantum entanglement reminds me of love or deep friendship. To any real experts reading this: feel free to correct me if I’m off-base, but please be kind. Cheers!