Reasons Why Higher Scores Could Be Seen as a Good Thing:

1. Entertainment Value:
   • Higher scores mean more points and generally more exciting plays, which can make games more thrilling for fans. Big scoring nights and fast-paced action tend to captivate casual viewers and keep fans engaged.
2. Offensive Evolution:
   • The increased scoring is partly due to a shift towards a more perimeter-oriented game. With the rise of three-point shooting, teams are finding new ways to put up points. This could be viewed as the evolution of basketball, with more diverse styles of play.
3. Increased Drama:
   • High-scoring games, especially close ones, provide more moments of tension and drama. The back-and-forth scoring in fast-paced games can lead to memorable finishes, adding to the excitement of the sport.
4. Showcasing Individual Talent:
   • With offenses being more explosive, individual players can shine in new ways. Stars can show off their offensive arsenals—whether it’s an incredible shooting range or highlight-reel dunks—which often helps elevate the appeal of certain players and the league overall.

Reasons Why Higher Scores Could Be Seen as a Bad Thing:

1. Defensive Struggles:
   • One concern is that the increased scoring might reflect a lack of strong defense. Teams could be more focused on scoring quickly rather than locking down opponents. If defenses aren’t challenging enough, the quality of basketball might suffer because the game becomes more about outscoring rather than outsmarting or outplaying on both ends of the court.
2. Less Strategy:
   • Higher scores can sometimes make the game feel more chaotic, with less emphasis on slower, more methodical plays. Fans who appreciate strategic basketball, such as playing through the post, running structured offenses, or executing defensive schemes, might feel the game has become less cerebral.
3. Potential for a Less Balanced Game:
   • The focus on scoring, especially three-pointers, might lead to certain teams (or players) dominating more than others. Teams that are built around elite shooters might gain a significant advantage, potentially overshadowing teams that rely on traditional playmaking or defense.
4. The Toll on Players:
   • A higher-scoring game could also be more physically taxing on players. With the increase in tempo and reliance on fast breaks, players may have to exert more energy to keep up, which could lead to more injuries and a greater physical toll over the course of a season.

In Summary:

Whether higher scores are good or bad really depends on your perspective. From an entertainment standpoint, more points can be thrilling. But from a purist’s view, it might feel like something is missing in terms of strategy and defense. The balance between offensive explosions and defensive prowess has always been one of the most intriguing aspects of basketball, so the current trend could just be a sign of the sport evolving, though some might miss the old-school style of play.

What do you think? Do you prefer the higher-scoring games, or would you like to see more balance between offense and defense?