The 2023 NBA playoffs have begun and have already seen some intense action, with major injuries in both conferences affecting Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant. Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers has expressed his views on the league’s physicality.
Doc Rivers’ views on physicality in the NBA
Doc Rivers, who comes from a more physical era in basketball, believes that the NBA should return to that level of physicality. He discussed how referees should call charging fouls, stating that the injuries to Antetokounmpo and Morant did not result from malicious play. To Rivers, it’s just vintage basketball where players bump bodies and move on.
River’s comments on charge calls and game scores
Rivers commented on the possibility of a change to game scores, saying, “No, not at all, unless they just want a 250-250 game.” He suggested that some of the charges players take can be seen as reckless, and could be reviewed. This perspective comes from Rivers’ experience in a time when basketball was more physical, and he believes implementing a similar standard today would benefit the game.
