NBA Instructed Officials To Curb Foul Hunting

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.”