NEW YORK (AP) — NBA players can now launch those incredible long-range shots at the end of quarters without worrying about their shooting percentages taking a hit. The league has updated how it records these shots, encouraging players to go for those deep attempts. This change was confirmed at the recent board of governors meeting.
This new “heave rule” was tested during the Summer League in Las Vegas and other smaller leagues earlier this summer. Now, any shot taken within the last three seconds of the first three quarters that’s launched from at least 36 feet away will count as a team attempt rather than an individual one. Many players have held back from shooting miracle shots to protect their stats, but this adjustment aims to change that.
Last season, players made only about 4% of these long shots. Notable players like Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors made four of these deep attempts, while Denver’s Nikola Jokic scored three.
Changes to the NBA Cup
Next season, the NBA Cup will also see some changes. Starting in 2026-27, semifinals will be hosted at the home arena of the higher-seeded team in each conference. The final will still be at a neutral site. This tweak will hopefully create a more thrilling atmosphere for fans.
Adjustments to Coach’s Challenges
The league has also updated the coach’s challenge system. Now, during a review of an out-of-bounds violation, the replay center official will determine if a related foul should have been called. This aims to speed up the review process and make games flow better.
The NBA is constantly looking for ways to keep the game exciting and engaging. With these new rules, fans can expect to see more dramatic plays and less hesitation from players trying to make clutch shots. A recent survey showed that 65% of fans support changes that make the game more dynamic and fast-paced, highlighting the league’s understanding of its audience.
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