The 2023 Western Conference semifinals between the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder showcased a recurring theme: Luka Dončić frequently accusing Luguentz Dort of flopping. Despite Dončić’s protests, Dort wasn’t penalized for flopping during the series, highlighting the NBA’s nuanced approach to addressing this issue.
The NBA defines flopping as “secondary, theatrical, exaggerated movements” (STEM) following contact. To enforce this, the league introduced non-unsportsmanlike technical fouls and postgame fines for the 2023-24 season. However, the implementation of these penalties saw a decline as the season progressed, with fines and technical fouls becoming rare by the 2024-25 season.
Players and coaches have adapted to the league’s enforcement strategies. Coaches like Mark Daigneault and Quin Snyder emphasize how players quickly adjust to rule changes, reducing the need for frequent penalties. The NBA continues to monitor flopping through points of emphasis videos and internal reviews to maintain consistency.
Despite efforts to minimize flopping, some egregious cases still go unpunished, frustrating coaches and players. However, the league believes it has struck a balance by eliminating the most theatrical flops while avoiding harsh penalties that could unfairly penalize legitimate fouls.
The effectiveness of these measures will be tested in high-stakes playoff games, particularly if players like Dončić and Dort meet again. The NBA remains committed to its strategy, focusing on significant violations and relying on player adaptation to maintain the integrity of the game.
Ultimately, the league’s approach to flopping reflects a careful balance between enforcing rules and avoiding excessive penalties. While not everyone may be satisfied, the NBA has successfully reduced the most egregious instances, keeping the game fair and enjoyable for all.
