Expressed his opinion about the challenge rule

James

JamesDavid ZalubowskiLAPRESSE

Although the Los Angeles Lakers have exited the NBA Playoffs, LeBron James remains keenly interested in the ongoing action.

James watched Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves and shared his thoughts on the league’s challenge rule.

The Mavericks used two successful challenges in the third quarter, prompting confusion from James about why Dallas couldn’t challenge another questionable call for the rest of the game.

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The rule in question

The NBA introduced the challenge rule in the 2019/20 season, giving coaches the opportunity to request a replay review for a foul, out-of-bounds violation, or goaltending/basket interference violation.

Teams are limited to one challenge per game, but before this season, the NBA allowed teams an additional challenge if their first attempt was successful.

“Have to change that challenge rule!” James wrote on X.

“No way you have 2 successful challenges and can’t anymore for the rest of the game! Makes ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE.”

The rule has undergone changes and, many would argue, improvements in recent years.

The second challenge did not exist before and was implemented largely to address the exact predicament the Mavericks faced in Game 1: using up challenges too early or saving them until the final whistle.

Dallas defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night, securing a 108-105 victory in Game 1 on the road.

Luka Doncic spearheaded the Mavericks‘ offense with an impressive 33 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.

Jaden McDaniels led the Timberwolves in scoring, contributing 24 points.