The NBA has come a long way since its inception in 1946. On October 17, 2017, the league celebrated its 70th season with two thrilling opening games. The defending-champion Golden State Warriors suffered a close defeat against the Houston Rockets, while the Cleveland Cavaliers narrowly beat Kyrie Irving and the Boston Celtics. However, amidst the excitement of these games, another significant event was unfolding in the world of basketball.
That night marked the beginning of a new era for the NBA, as it introduced the Last Two Minute Report (L2M) to enhance transparency and accountability. The L2M, also known as the “watchful eye,” aimed to shed light on any mistakes made by officials during the final moments of a game. While this move was intended to increase transparency, it sparked debates about its effectiveness.
TNT analyst Stan Van Gundy, a former NBA coach, expressed his dissatisfaction with the L2M. He believed that knowing the officials’ mistakes after a game did not serve any purpose for coaches like himself. Van Gundy questioned the need for such reports and felt that they only highlighted errors made by players, coaches, and officials without offering any solutions.
The L2M gained even more attention during the playoffs when it became a topic of discussion after several controversial calls. The New York Knicks experienced firsthand how these reports could affect the perception of a game. In one instance, they lost against the Houston Rockets due to a foul call that was later deemed incorrect by the league. Similarly, they won a game against the Detroit Pistons in a chaotic finish that left the Pistons with numerous grievances.
Despite the frustrations caused by incorrect calls, it is important to remember that mistakes are an inherent part of sports. Referees, officials, and umpires are bound to make errors occasionally. The L2M reports do not lead to game reversals, nor should they. It is up to fans and teams to move on from these incidents and focus on the incredible plays and finishes that make the sport exciting.
Van Gundy emphasized that the excessive focus on officiating mistakes detracts from the celebration of great plays and finishes. He believed that instead of dwelling on referee errors, fans and media should be discussing the incredible performances of players like Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, and Donte DiVincenzo.
In conclusion, the introduction of the Last Two Minute Report brought a new level of transparency to the NBA. While it aimed to address concerns about officiating mistakes, it also sparked debates about its effectiveness. Ultimately, the focus should be on celebrating the game itself and the remarkable moments that make basketball so captivating.
