The NBA is introducing a new rule for the 2025-26 season in order to increase game thrill without compromising the player fairness in statistics. From this season on, missed period-ending desperation shots, commonly referred to as “heaves“, will no longer be counted while calculating a player’s field goal percentage.
The change, the league explains, is intended to erase the stigma of low-percentage shots and compel players to play more aggressively in the last minute.
Why the rule matters
Teams shied away from taking half-court or full-court shots as time was expiring fearing that an unsuccessful shot would hurt their shooting efficiency. In a metrics-based league, a few percentage points may make a huge difference in how a player is viewed.
“Players shouldn’t feel punished for trying to make a play that excites fans,” an NBA spokesman clarified. “This rule rewards effort without unfairly affecting efficiency metrics.“
Potential impact on players and teams
The rule change will have strategic and statistical impacts among other changes:
- More buzzer-beater attempts: Get ready for more exciting long-range attempts at cutting the game short.
- Increased efficiency for risk-takers: Nikola Joki types of players, who take end-of-quarter heaves, will no longer see their percentages fall because of low-probability shots.
- Coaching changes: More targeted end-period plays could be promoted by teams, as they realize the statistical deficit is removed.
For fans, the biggest impact could be simple: more chances to witness moments that will never be forgotten.
Balancing the entertainment and the analytics
The NBA has long grappled with the extent to which advanced stats control player behavior. While efficiency in today’s game, naturally, is important, the league also understands that highlight plays create fan interest. In making this change, the NBA is trying to balance good player assessment with preserving the tension that makes basketball a must-see TV content.
The new policy appears insignificant, but the ripple effect of alteration may actually be truly significant. By eliminating the penalty for blown heaves, the NBA is rewarding players who take the risk and treat spectators with more of the plays they enjoy.
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