The NBA has made changes to the coach’s challenge reviews on certain out-of-bounds plays. Now, not only can the out-of-bounds play itself be reviewed, but if a foul should have been called during the play, it can also be assessed shortly after. This expanded scope of review was approved by the league’s Board of Governors in New York. It is a significant change that will take effect this season.
During last season’s playoffs, there was a situation where Dallas’ Kyrie Irving fouled Minnesota’s Jaden McDaniels and the ball went out of bounds. Despite clear evidence of a foul on the review, the ball was awarded to Dallas because the foul was not initially called. This is a prime example of how the new rule could have made a difference in an important game.
With this new review system in place, both on-court officials and the NBA Replay Center will have the ability to review footage to determine if a foul should have been called in addition to the out-of-bounds violation. This adds another layer of scrutiny to the officiating process and aims to ensure that the correct calls are made in critical moments of the game.
The NBA has established specific criteria for when a review of an uncalled foul can occur in conjunction with an out-of-bounds play. Factors such as the players involved in the foul versus the out-of-bounds violation and the elapsed time between the foul and the violation will be taken into consideration. This sets clear guidelines for when these types of reviews can be initiated.
The decision to expand the coach’s challenge reviews showcases the NBA’s commitment to improving the officiating standards in the league. By allowing for a more comprehensive review process, the league is prioritizing accuracy and fairness in game outcomes. This change reflects the NBA’s willingness to adapt and evolve to address potential issues in the officiating process.