Lakers' LeBron James Questions NBA's Challenge Rule: 'Makes Absolutely No Sense'
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James called for the NBA to change the challenge rule while taking in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals matchup between the host Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday.
James made the remarks after the Mavs won their second challenge with 2:10 remaining in the third quarter. Dallas had notably won its first challenge just two game minutes earlier.
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Coaches are allowed one challenge per game for their teams. If that challenge is successful, then the team is awarded a second challenge. Teams are not allowed a third challenge regardless of whether the second challenge is successful.
Obviously, James feels as though teams should get at least one more challenge if they successfully challenge the first two.
He has a point. Challenges are born out of officials' mistakes. If teams successfully call those errors out, then they shouldn't be penalized if they spot a third mistake down the road.
Perhaps the NBA could adopt the NFL's new rule, where teams are allowed two challenges automatically and get a third challenge if one of the first two are successful.
As for Wednesday, the Mavs didn't need a hypothetical third challenge to win this game, as they ended up victorious regardless with a clutch 108-105 win over Minnesota.
