The NBA announced Friday afternoon that, beginning March 2, it will provide play-by-play officiating reports to the public covering the last two minutes and overtime of any close game.
The reports will include “all calls and material non-calls.” The league is touting the reports as a “new transparency initiative.” From the league:
The “Last Two Minutes” officiating report is the latest step in the league’s effort toward more transparency in its officiating program. Previous actions include this season’s launch of the NBA Replay Center, real-time postings on NBA.com and @NBAOfficial of the replays used by officials to make calls during replay reviews, and bi-weekly rule “points of emphasis” memos that are sent to teams, referees and the media.
An example from the Jan. 19 game between the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers is a foul on Thomas Robinson of the Trail Blazers. The report shows the time the foul was committed, foul type, committing player, disadvantaged player and provides a video link to the play. Also included is a comment. In this case, it’s “Robinson, Thomas (41)-Trail Blazers makes contact with the arm of Cousins, DeMarcus (15)-Kings and the contact affects his movement to the basket.”
Games that are within five points at the two-minute mark will qualify for the reports. The reports will be posted on NBA.com/official.
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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