Mark Cuban has called for an NBA rule change following injuries to two players in the Playoffs.
The post-season has only just begun but after the opening game in each series, two of the league’s best players in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant, sustained injuries while absorbing contact during attempts at attacking the basket. Following the incidents, the Dallas Mavericks owner has called for some adjustments to be made with the NBA’s charging rule to decrease the risk of injury.
“Move the circle further away from the basket,” he tweeted. “Taking it an extra foot away from the hoop would reduce to take charges on drives dramatically. I’ve asked. Obviously nothing has changed.” The final part of the tweet seems to indicate that the 64-year-old has previously suggested a change to the NBA higher-ups.
Last night Antetokounmpo suffered a lower back contusion during the Milawukee Bucks’ defeat to the Miami Heat in game one of the first round. In the middle of the first quarter, the “Greek Freak’ drove hard to the basket.
As he drove towards the basket, Heat player Kevin Love attempted to take a charge but ended up sliding into Antetokounmpo, taking him out and sending him crashing to the court floor.
Antetokounmpo was able to struggle on and take his two free throws after a blocking foul was called on Love, but he very quickly retreated to the Bucks locker room.
An X-ray concluded the former two-time MVP suffered no structural damage, but his status for Game 2 and beyond will depend on his recovery. But per Shams Charania, the Bucks are optimistic that he will be available for Game 2, but the the 2021 NBA champion is also reportedly dealing with a ligament issue in his wrist.
"There was an X-ray that was clear here, so we'll monitor him, see how he does," Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said. "See how he wakes up, how he feels the rest of tonight and tomorrow."
Morant on the other hand, was forced to watch the closing stages of the game from the sidelines as Memphis lost 128-112 to the LA Lakers in Game 1 of their first-round series.
While the Lakers were winning by four points, Morant attempted a dunk but collided with Lakers star Anthony Davis and ended up falling awkwardly on his right arm, immediately writhing around on the floor in agony. He went back to the locker room and appeared to be in significant pain, but managed to recover again and return to the bench minutes later.
Speaking after the game, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was confident the star guard - who had clocked 18 points and six rebounds - would be back for game 2.
He will continue to be evaluated over the next couple of days leading up to Game 2 in the series on Wednesday as Memphis look to level proceedings. The star guard told reporters that he's in "a good bit of pain" and added that his status for the next game is "in jeopardy."
