NBA Announces Multi-Ball Rule to Be Implemented
In an effort to appeal to younger audiences and shorten game times, the NBA Commissioner announced today that starting next season, any game reaching a second overtime period will officially enter "Multi-Ball Mode".
Under the new regulations, at the start of the second overtime, referees will release three additional basketballs onto the court. Each ball will be live simultaneously, allowing teams to score up to 12 points in a single possession.
"We looked at the analytics, and we looked at 1990s pinball machines," said a league spokesperson. "The data is clear: people like chaos. Defensive schemes are great, but have you ever seen five guys trying to dunk three balls at once? It's electric."
Coaches are reportedly scrambling to adjust their strategies. "It's a nightmare," said one Eastern Conference coach. "I have to draw up a play where my center is setting a screen, catching a lob, and guarding a guy in the corner all at the same time. We're currently training with jugglers to improve our hand-eye coordination."
The league also hinted at a future "Power-Up" rule, where hitting a half-court shot might temporarily shrink the opponent's hoop.