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Rulebook: 2026-27 NBA points of emphasis and areas of focus

The NBA has rolled out its officiating priorities for the 2026-27 season, targeting three key areas to tighten the rules and reduce controversial calls. One major focus is offensive players using their off arm to gain leverage against defenders—a move that has long frustrated teams trying to play sound defense.

The league is also cracking down on illegal two-handed screens, a common issue for players like Jericho Sims, who led the NBA in offensive fouls last season with 28, tied for 10th in the league. Finally, flopping will now carry a non-unsportsmanlike technical foul and a free throw, though referees must apply the STEM criteria (Secondary, Theatrical, Exaggerated Movement) to justify the call, leaving room for inconsistency early in the season.

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