Kevin Durant, recognized as one of the NBA’s greatest scorers, has long challenged defenders with his combination of height, speed, and exceptional shooting ability. Among his arsenal of skills, Durant popularized a deceptive technique known as the rip through move. This tactic involved Durant swiftly swinging his arm into the defender’s arm while still holding the ball, creating the appearance of a shooting motion to draw a foul from referees. Because of Durant’s success with this maneuver, the move gained traction among other players, causing concerns about the integrity and flow of the game.

Reasons Behind the NBA’s Decision to Restrict the Rip Through

The rip through move became problematic as its widespread use led to excessive stoppages and slowed the pace of games. In response to growing frustration from coaches and fans, the NBA intervened in 2011 by adjusting its rules regarding this specific technique. The league ruled that if a player employed the rip through before the actual shooting motion began, it would no longer qualify as a shooting foul. Instead, such contact would be treated as a standard foul, with free throws awarded only if the fouled team was already in the bonus. This change aimed to curb the abuse of the move and preserve the fairness of play.

Despite the rule modification, some players found ways to exploit the rip through move when their teams were in the bonus, continuing to draw free throws. This ongoing challenge prompted the NBA to further tighten restrictions on the move in subsequent years to prevent continued manipulation of foul calls.

How Rule Enforcement Has Improved NBA Gameplay

Currently, referees have been instructed to exercise greater discretion and allow games to proceed without calling fouls on obvious rip through attempts where no genuine shot is made. This enforcement promotes a smoother pace and reduces interruptions caused by questionable fouls. By limiting the effectiveness of the rip through move, defenders are better able to contest shots without fearing unjust free throws for minor contact, encouraging legitimate scoring methods.

The rule changes have contributed to maintaining the excitement and competitiveness of NBA games while ensuring fair treatment for both offensive and defensive players. This adjustment addresses previous frustrations and safeguards the authenticity of basketball at the highest level, preserving the sport’s integrity for fans, coaches, and athletes alike.