Part 5/10:
Alongside shooting strategy, discussions of defensive effectiveness play a significant role in current ratings discourse. Observers have lamented the decline in defensive rigor, tying it to an era that reportedly favors offensive play. Critics posit that the ease with which players score leads to less engaging viewing experiences. However, historical context reveals that scoring has not reached an all-time high, with comparisons drawn to the high-scoring 1980s—suggesting that the perception of inferior defense may be over-exaggerated.
While many fans still enjoy high-scoring affairs and thrilling offense, a desire for a more balanced showcase of basketball is evident. Some suggest that rule tweaks favoring defensive players could help ameliorate this trend and restore excitement.