Watching a 2021-2022 NBA basketball game could reveal a difference from previous seasons. 

Traditionally, when players jump into defenders, fouls are called, leading to free throws. This year, when players attempt this, it is increasingly being ignored by referees or called offensive fouls. 

The NBA emphasized cracking down on these “non-basketball moves,” which are used by some of the league’s most dominant scorers. The two players that have been most affected by this crackdown are Brooklyn’s James Harden and Atlanta’s Trae Young.

Both Harden and Young have seen a significant drop in the number of points they average per game and the number of free throws attempted per game. 

The overall league numbers have also dropped. The offensive rating has decreased by nearly five points and if it continues then it is going to be the lowest since the 2015-16 season. The points per game have declined more than five points, although pace and attempts in three pointers are increasing. 

Francis Lewis High School basketball coach Daniel Ardis said, “One thing they changed this year that I feel has been a great addition, players have stopped trying to draw fouls by launching into the defender. Too many players were more focused on drawing fouls than making shots. Now we can see some strong defense being played and it makes the game competitive again.”   

WJPS senior Hamza Ariyan said, “I love the new changes. I think it promotes a cleaner style of play. I remember watching NBA games and being frustrated at the number of free throws that were being taken, but now that number is reduced.”  

Photo: “Timeout” by themikelee is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0