The potential for a less balanced game is one of

the more compelling concerns when it comes to the trend of higher NBA scores. This happens when a greater emphasis is placed on high-scoring offenses, often dominated by three-point shooting, to the detriment of other facets of the game—like defense, team play, or traditional roles.

Here’s why this could lead to a less balanced game:

1. Overemphasis on Shooting:

• Three-Point Dominance: With the rise of the three-pointer, especially the “three-and-D” style of play, teams are relying heavily on perimeter shooting. Teams with elite shooters—think Golden State with Stephen Curry—are able to dominate games and force other teams to play catch-up. While exciting, this shift can reduce the importance of other skills, such as post play, mid-range shooting, or traditional inside scoring. Teams that lack the shooting firepower may struggle to keep up, leading to a less diversified league.
• The “Splash” Effect: Teams that rely on long-range shooting as their primary mode of attack could lead to a talent gap between those with elite shooters and teams that may still emphasize a more balanced offensive approach. This can create an uneven playing field where some teams have an obvious advantage, reducing competition in certain matchups.

2. Defensive Deficiencies:

• Less Focus on Defense: As teams prioritize fast-paced offenses and scoring, defenses can often get overwhelmed. A higher score usually suggests defenses aren’t matching the intensity of the offense. Some teams may focus on building an explosive offense rather than an elite defense, leading to games where both teams score heavily, but neither defends particularly well.
• Defensive Schemes Evolving: While the NBA has adapted with new defensive tactics to combat the offensive explosion (like switching more on screens or packing the paint), the reality is that some teams might struggle to keep up with high-scoring teams that are great at spreading the floor or running fast breaks. This can make it harder for teams that rely on solid, structured defense to compete effectively.

3. Less Variety in Playing Styles:

• Positionless Basketball: The shift toward small-ball and the rise of “positionless” basketball means more teams are building around versatile players who can space the floor, shoot, and switch on defense. While this promotes exciting gameplay, it also results in a more homogenized style of play. Teams might feel pressured to adopt similar strategies (e.g., high-tempo, three-point-heavy offenses), leaving little room for the more traditional, varied strategies that were once common (e.g., playing through a dominant center or running plays for a mid-range scorer).
• Pressure to Adapt: Teams that don’t adapt to the “modern” style of high-scoring, perimeter-oriented play may struggle to stay competitive. This can make the game feel less balanced, as certain teams (often with star shooters) could dominate based on the current trends, leaving others behind.

4. Risk of Dominant Teams:

• Superteams & Stars: Teams with multiple elite scoring players, like the Warriors or, more recently, teams with superstars like the Milwaukee Bucks or the Phoenix Suns, could continue to widen the gap between them and less-equipped teams. This could create a situation where a handful of teams consistently dominate the league, reducing the number of competitive contenders for championships and making it harder for smaller-market or rebuilding teams to compete.
• Inequality in Talent Distribution: The shift toward heavy scoring offenses could favor teams with superstar players who can dominate the ball and dictate the pace. These “superstars” can influence the balance of the league and diminish the chances of success for teams without such standout talents.

5. Decreased Focus on Team Play:

• Isolation and Hero Ball: When the emphasis shifts toward scoring at all costs, some players might be pushed into “hero ball” mode—essentially isolating themselves and relying heavily on individual talent to win the game. While highlight plays can be exciting, it can lead to a lack of ball movement and a decline in team-oriented play, which is a crucial part of basketball’s appeal.
• Less Playmaking: As teams shoot more three-pointers and move quickly, there can be less emphasis on traditional playmaking. A team may forgo setting up elaborate offensive plays to get the ball into a high-percentage spot in favor of a fast shot off the dribble. This can minimize the role of facilitators and creative passers, which traditionally made basketball a beautifully fluid game.

The Balance Between Offense and Defense:

In theory, the NBA’s best seasons have had strong teams on both ends of the floor. When the league becomes too one-sided (either all offense or all defense), the balance that has made the game enjoyable can feel skewed. The beauty of the sport lies in the ability to dominate both ends of the floor, using high-level offense and defense to win championships. A game that focuses only on scoring and neglects defense or strategy risks becoming too predictable and one-dimensional.

What do you think about this trend? Does it bother you when certain teams dominate with a similar style, or are you more focused on the high-octane, fast-paced entertainment the league offers today?