Kurtenbach: The three things the Warriors must do to beat the Spurs

The NBA isn’t saying there was a directive to reduce offense. Instead, the league cited a number of factors that have reduced scoring in recent months.

The NBA noted: “This trend will continue to be monitored. Slower pace, style of play, competitive intensity, officiating focus, etc., have all been contributing factors identified thus far.”

Part of “officiating focus” was the league instructing officials to not call fouls when offensive players are hunting for free throws or veering off path to seek fouls.

In a memo, the NBA said there would be a point of emphasis to “evaluate the state of offensive vs. defensive balance with a focus on legal guarding position and level of contact on pathway plays to the basket.”

Donovan Mitchell said he let the Cleveland Cavaliers front office know that he wouldn’t be signing a contract extension this season.

“I still have the opportunity to sign an extension next summer. My primary focus is this. Just trying to go out there and trying to be the best team we can be and bring a championship to the city and go from there,” said Michell.

Mitchell, who has two more guaranteed years on the deal he signed when he was with the Jazz, is eligible to sign a three-year extension worth $150 million.

Mitchell could get an additional year on his contract should he wait to sign the extension this summer.

The guard then reiterated his excitement for the upcoming season.

“I’m really excited about what we’ve got going here. I think that’s the biggest thing, especially for myself. We could do something special. That’s what I relayed to Georges (Niang) and Max (Strus) when I told them about coming here,” said Mitchell.