NBA adopts NHL periods, bigger hoops to reward “close enough”
League says shooters have spent years coming incredibly close, and it’s time the basket met them halfway.
The NBA will adopt NHL-style periods and enlarge its hoops and nets after concluding that the current basket has been unnecessarily judgmental about where shots land.
Under the new system, teams will play three 20-minute periods while aiming at a wider opening. The league declined to give the rim a veto, citing years of documented resistance.
“We’ve heard players say it felt good leaving their hand,” a committee spokesperson said. “We believe them. Why should the basket get the last word?”
Coaches expect immediate gains in shooting percentages, confidence and the number of people insisting they could have played professionally. Players have welcomed the reform, especially those previously forced to explain that they were shooting well in warmups.
