Refs take to twitter during NBA Playoffs: Will 3-point rule manipulation become focus of discussion?

Referees will actively take to Twitter to interact with fans during the NBA Playoffs over the next two days and no doubt a 3-point shot will end up taking center stage in the discussions.

The NBA official referee twitter account will be interacting with fans Sunday and Monday during the Raptors-76ers game and the Bucks-Celtics NBA Playoffs. That in itself is progress although I doubt the refs are prepared for what might be coming their way.

These playoffs have witnessed more complaints about refereeing than ever before and perhaps that’s simply a statement of how much social media has become part and parcel of the sport.

If you intend to watch the games you can reach out to the official Twitter account via @OfficialNBARefs and use the hashtag #RefWatchParty if you want to interact.

A concerning trend:

Referees are human and make mistakes just like we all do. The players blow defensive coverages, coaches forget they don’t have timeouts (sorry Doc) and yes, referees make mistakes too.

But, there is a concerning trend developing in the Association with regards to 3-point shooting and the manipulation of the rule. Most of this onus can be placed at the feet of former OKC Thunder player James Harden who has mastered how to manipulate rules and specifically the 3-point shot.

Harden 3-point manipulation should force NBA rule changes:

If you’ve watched much of the postseason then you’re no doubt familiar with an increasing trend by stars to flop on 3-point attempts. The first Rockets-Warriors match was mired in controversy over calls and non-calls specifically tied to 3-point attempts.

In the second game of the 76ers-Raptors series, Jimmy Butler clearly kicked his legs out and into Danny Green leading to a five point play (after the addition of the foul and tech on Green).

In Saturday night’s Rockets-Warriors Game 3 even Kevin Durant is now falling down on his 3-point shots.

In fact, it’s impossible to watch any playoff game without witnessing at least one player taking a 3-point shot and falling as they return to the ground. This is coupled with the shooters kicking their feet outward, or jumping forward into the defender. The most egregious example of this was Chris Paul‘s upward hip check from Game 1 into his defender.

As for the refs taking to Twitter today and tomorrow here’s an example of what they might expect from fans:

Time for NBA to step in and put a stop to this:

Clearly this is an epidemic and players are now going out of their way to flop in order to get the call regardless of whether their fouled or not. Having watched every semi final game at least once per game a perimeter player falls (flops) after attempting a 3-point attempt.

From a safety perspective, in truth, it might be a smart decision given the alternative of landing on the opponent’s foot and spraining an ankle. However, the overwhelming increase of players tossing up perimeter shots and seemingly already determined to fall -hit or miss, is disconcerting. It’s affecting games, it’s affecting the flow and it’s unsightly.

Steve Kerr nailed it in his post practice press conference stating:

"“There’s all kinds of gray area, and in the modern game a lot of players have gotten really good at deception, creating contact. I don’t remember people falling down on 3-point shots all the time when I played.”"

New era NBA is becoming more about rule manipulation:

This is coming from a previous NBA player whose claim to fame was being a 3-point specialist. Having been a hoop head for longer than I want to admit I’ve felt the same way for quite some time. Although I can concede the small ball, faster paced new era is more exciting from an offensive perspective, I also miss the hard nosed defensive style of the ’80s and ’90s.

In spite of that with players trending toward finding ways to take advantage of the rules (again just my humble opinion), it hurts the progress forward to make the game a more exciting experience. Sitting through Rockets games this season and during the NBA Playoffs only to watch the constant barrage of trips to the free throw line and stoppages in play is mind numbing.

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Moreover, if someone can explain to me how a player is supposed to defend the 3-point shot in this era I’m all ears. Not only does the defender have to worry about closing space but they also have to jump backward in order to not be kicked or jumped into. It’s a virtual impossibility unless they are experts in hopscotch in reverse. The current rule as it stands predominantly only benefits the offensive player.

In the old era of the NBA when rule manipulation was cited it meant one of two things. Either a star player was getting the benefit of 50-50 calls. Or it meant a player who wasn’t getting calls in the paint simply took the ball with more aggression to the hole.

How sad is it in this era rule manipulation means a player is already determined to fall down just so they can get to the free throw line? It’s escalated to such a degree that it’s hard to tell if the player even cares if the ball goes through the hoop – that is just the side benefit. The goal is to get the call and gain the easy shots from the charity stripe.

Hopefully, these NBA playoffs are shining a light on the necessity to change how the NBA looks at this rule and cleans it up to make it fair for both the offensive player and the defender.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and remember to bookmark Thunderous Intentions as we continue to serve up articles on your favorite team and players.