LEONARD INJURY LEADS TO CHANGE IN EMPHASIS

NBA referees will be able to call flagrant or technical fouls on defenders who dangerously close on jump shooters without allowing them space to land, as Zaza Pa

chulia did on the play that injured Spurs star Kawhi Leonard in last season’s playoffs. Officials will also make sure jump shooters are in their upward shooting motion when determining if a perimeter foul is worthy of free throws, which could cut down on

James Harden’s attempts after he swings his arms into contact. Leonard sprained his ankle when Pachulia slid his foot under Leonard’s in Game 1 of Golden State’s victory in the Western Conference finals. After calling a foul, officials will now be able to look at replay to determine if the defender recklessly positioned his foot in an unnatural way, which could trigger an upgrade to a flagrant or a technical if there was no contact but an apparent attempt to injure.