Trend in the NBA

AGuinness · #1 01-11-2019, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankbmd

The history of NBA scoring over various eras is difficult to comprehend.

...

I would say that this timeline for the NBA form 1954-2019 could not have been forecasted. Rule are rules and they have changed which have led to changes in the way the game is played. Each era, i'm sure, has its proponents. Personally the current game is not my favorite.

Disclaimer: This was written from memory without consulting statistics. Some of my statements may be a little off, but not much.

Good stuff, although it struck me when reading through that athletes have also changed dramatically over the decades - and they have in every sport, making big impacts. Russell may not have ever fouled out, but I think if he were playing today with the amazing size and quickness of today's players, he'd need to push himself on defense more and likely commit more fouls.

And thinking on this just now, I wonder if there is a point in the NBA's history when we can identify when the "star treatment" started (star players getting favorable calls). Any idea?

barrysloate · #2 01-11-2019, 01:59 PM

There was a famous playoff game, played in the early fifties, where the Lakers won 19-17. I may be off but that is my memory.

Of course the league goes through phases, and it wasn't that long ago when it was not uncommon to see teams scoring in the 80's and 90's. Today the offense rules, and even if it's not perfect basketball at least it is more fun to watch.

My main objection, however, of how the game is played today is there are too many three-point shots. I get tired seeing players heaving it from 27 feet away instead of driving to the hoop, or working some plays inside. All of the league's three point records were set in the last few years.

barrysloate · #3 01-12-2019, 04:38 AM

Last night Houston tallies 141 and Golden State hits 146, and James Harden nearly has a triple-double by halftime. The NBA is cooking with heat. Whether or not this is a positive trend is unclear. But it is fun to watch.

AGuinness · #4 01-17-2019, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barrysloate

Last night Houston tallies 141 and Golden State hits 146, and James Harden nearly has a triple-double by halftime. The NBA is cooking with heat. Whether or not this is a positive trend is unclear. But it is fun to watch.

Watched the Celtics/Raptors tilt last night and it was thoroughly enjoyable (especially as a Celtics fan). Also saw during the broadcast that the Rockets were heaving up 3-pointers at a record pace (which is no surprise).
Honestly, this type of game is more fun to watch than the game when I was growing up in the 80s, with big guys backing into the paint, etc. The skill to make threes at a good rate from a decent distance behind the arc is incredible to watch (not to mention that there is often a defender close by). And it keeps games close, as even a team up by 20 can be caught and it's not a big surprise. And perhaps this is just recency bias, but some of the ball handlers nowadays are ridiculous...

barrysloate · #5 01-18-2019, 04:52 AM

I agree the high scoring makes the games fun to watch.

And two nights ago: Golden State 147, Pelicans 140 in regulation. I can't recall the last time both teams reached 140 in the same game without overtime.

D. Bergin · #6 01-18-2019, 10:46 AM

Man, do I dislike James Harden. Guy throws up 20 threes a game now, and also somehow nearly every time I look at a box score he's shooting as many free throws as the entire other team.

I've seen other teams play him and most have resigned themselves to either not guarding him at all when he drives the lane, or throwing their hands straight up in the air to make him go around them ala The Spurs.

There used to be a rule against flopping, but somehow they've made a rule in which the simple act of looking at Harden while he comically throws his body into yours, will get you whistled for a foul.

At least a player like Lebron tries finishing his plays and receives his fouls more honestly, by at least taking contact, even if he's initiating it. In the strange NBA we have right now, I respect a guy running through defenders blocking him out and getting a call, much more then a guy who throws himself towards defenders who aren't even occupying his lane.

15 years ago, Harden would be getting called for 10 Offensive fouls a game, with his present style. Don't understand myself how this is "good for the game".

AGuinness · #7 01-19-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D. Bergin

I've seen other teams play him and most have resigned themselves to either not guarding him at all when he drives the lane, or throwing their hands straight up in the air to make him go around them ala The Spurs.

For me, fouls in the NBA are the biggest problem. I'm watching more games these days (my sons are Trail Blazers fans so we catch as many as we can, along with Celtics), and it's tough to understand what is a foul and what isn't. Just yesterday, I watched the Celtics game for a stretch without sound and it was amazing that when fouls were called, I often thought the foul should have been called on the player who got fouled.
Every sport has this type of aggravating aspect (balls/strikes, pass interference, some hockey penalties), but NBA fouls rank way up there, to me.

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