Thinking Basketball #350: Slop Ball rules & Are the surprise teams for real?
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Nov 26, 2025 Dave Dufour, a journalist at The Athletic, joins to dissect the recent surge in NBA scoring and how officiating is reshaping the game. He criticizes slow-paced games and discusses the viewer experience with increasing foul calls. The conversation shifts to whether surprise teams like the Raptors, Suns, and Heat are legitimate contenders, with insights into Toronto's innovative offensive schemes and Scotty Barnes' standout play. The hosts also evaluate Phoenix’s evolving identity and discuss the Miami Heat's playoff potential.
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Offense Efficiency Spike
- NBA offenses are at historically high efficiency, starting seasons near 116 points per 100 possessions.
- Higher free throw rates and loosened continuation rules magnify offensive advantage and reduce defensive effectiveness.
Players Exploit Contact And Continuation
- Players increasingly seek contact and exploit continuation and gather-step interpretations.
- That strategy both draws more fouls and creates chaotic, stop-start games with less flow.
Guest Rants About Game Length
- Dave Dufour jumped into the podcast to compare the current season to "slot ball" and lament long games.
- He cited a Grizzlies game that took 25 minutes to finish the final four minutes due to reviews and free throws.