{"id":669393,"date":"2026-05-28T04:15:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/669393\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T04:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T04:15:09","slug":"adam-silver-sends-clear-message-on-nba-officiating-amid-flopping-criticism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/669393\/","title":{"rendered":"Adam Silver Sends Clear Message on NBA Officiating Amid Flopping Criticism"},"content":{"rendered":"

The NBA<\/a> continues to face scrutiny and criticism from fans and analysts over the way games are officiated, including Game 5 between the San Antonio Spurs<\/a> and Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> in the Western Conference Finals.<\/p>\n

That game featured several controversial plays and moments that some felt may have altered the Spurs\u2019 mindset in the Thunder\u2019s 127-114 win.<\/p>\n

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Three third-quarter officiating decisions fell under the spotlight, with a missed goaltending call against OKC, and a shooting foul incorrectly called on Spurs rookie Dylan Harper<\/a>, even though the Thunder\u2019s Jared McCain<\/a> elbowed him in the throat.<\/p>\n

There was also the missed attempt by Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to challenge an out-of-bounds call that clearly would\u2019ve given his team the ball rather than it going to the Thunder. Johnson received a technical foul for complaining to the referees about the lack of a challenge.<\/p>\n

And with all of that, there are also the ongoing claims that OKC\u2019s two-time MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a>, benefits significantly from flopping to get calls when he\u2019s going for shots and layups.<\/p>\n

More news: Stephen A. Smith Slams Cavaliers for Kenny Atkinson Decision<\/a><\/p>\n

\"NBALAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 DECEMBER 16: Taylor Rooks (L) and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver get ready to present the championship trophy to the New York Knicks<\/a> after they defeated the San Antonio Spurs 124-113 to win the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

On the recent episode of \u201cThe Pat McAfee Show,\u201d NBA Commissioner Adam Silver responded to the officiating concerns, including those flopping accusations.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s been a conversation. I would only say that there\u2019s a difference between selling a call with exaggeration and a true flop where you\u2019re actually fooling the referees. I think sometimes even as I sit in the stands, players may be falling down, players maybe reacting to a call but then to me if they\u2019re not fooling the referees, it\u2019s like OK, the players are taught to sell calls these days,\u201d Silver said<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan officiating get better? Of course. We\u2019re always working on that. Can officials get fooled occasionally? We\u2019re always looking at that as well,\u201d he told McAfee, adding, \u201cThe officiating is incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silver also mentioned that the NBA is working to implement an automated replay system, similar to the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis. He said it would involve an AI system with cameras lining the court so the coaches wouldn\u2019t have to worry about challenges.<\/p>\n

The goal would be to speed up play, rather than having officials take time to confirm or overturn calls during games.<\/p>\n

Silver\u2019s remark that the \u201cofficiating is incredible\u201d isn\u2019t what NBA fans want to hear, as many expressed displeasure over the product they\u2019re seeing on television.<\/p>\n

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In Tuesday night\u2019s Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, officials called 29 fouls on the Spurs compared to 22 for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made 16 of 17 free throws in the game, giving him half of his 32 points in the win.<\/p>\n

Silver\u2019s comments regarding the move towards an automated replay system are encouraging, as it could definitely improve the NBA viewing experience. Nobody wants to wait through multiple referee reviews and challenges during what could be a fast-paced, exciting game.<\/p>\n

Other professional sports are also using automated replay, including Major League Baseball and the National Football League, so the NBA should definitely follow suit.<\/p>\n

More news: NBA Draft Lottery Expected to Receive Major Change: Report<\/a><\/p>\n

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For more about the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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