Last weekend, the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers duked it out in an instant classic. By night’s end, in a long slugfest, the Kings would prevail 176-175 in double overtime. It was the arguable game of the year.
Under a possible new rule change, lengthy matchups like Kings-Clippers might not take place next season.
According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the NBA is considering implementing a “target score” next year, but just for overtime periods. You might also know it as the “Elam Ending” — first famously used by the league in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game when the target score was 24 points for the leading team after the third quarter to honor the late Kobe Bryant.
The idea now is to limit overlong broadcasts and player minutes when applicable. More from Bleacher Report:
“Another potential change could be the use of a target score, but just for overtime. The G League has experimented with the rule in overtime during the regular season and for fourth quarters during the Winter Showcase in Las Vegas. In comparing regular overtime from the 2021-22 season to target-score overtime pre-Showcase, the length dipped from 13 minutes on average to 8.5.”
Beyond broadcast length and player attrition, I’m in favor of implementing the Elam Ending on a regular basis (in overtime or the fourth quarter) because it incentivizes aggression. Knowing there’s a target score to aim for rather than a set time on the clock, players and coaches would potentially play harder and take more risks to secure a victory.
And who doesn’t want more aggressive, higher-stakes basketball in the NBA? The Elam Ending becoming a staple in the league in any facet would be a win-win for everyone.
