Kevin Durant: Defense wasn't better in the 80s/90s, they just got away with flagrant fouls

[In The Zone '98]

Why are people so desperate for another Rudy T situation?

We have hockey for all that.

 

[GreatestLaker]

He is right. Defensive schemes are a lot better.

 

[resistanze]

Damn KD stans vs 80s/90s ball stans....

 

[Lucky_Lefty]

He is right. Defensive schemes are a lot better.

nikka, this shyt ain’t nothing but Boeheim 2-3 flex zone philosophies

 

[MyApps]

One could say it WAS better defense, or at least a different style of defense, because those weren't flagrant fouls back then. They were hard, strategic fouls used to deter easier scoring opportunities.

If a player isn't mentally tough enough to handle the punishment, then their offense will suffer, aka defense.

 

[get these nets]

One could say it WAS better defense, or at least a different style of defense, because those weren't flagrant fouls back then. They were hard, strategic fouls used to deter easier scoring opportunities.

If a player isn't mentally tough enough to handle the punishment, then their offense will suffer, aka defense.

Also, physically tough.
All that contact would wear down the offensive player over the course of a game, a season, or a playoff series.

People who don't think that affects shooting percentages are deluded.

 

[KateFabersBoyfriend]

Yeah, maybe. I preferred it.

 

[Born2BKing]

Did they call wipe through fouls in 80s and 90s?

 

[get these nets]

Did they call wipe through fouls in 80s and 90s?

Ask Reggie Miller

 

[ISO]

The average game had none of that.

 

[mastermind]

He’s speaking facts as he generally does

But I will say for sure there are more ridiculous calls now, rip through, jump backs on floaters, jumping into a planted defender, harden’s neck snap on floater etc.

Unacceptable

Reggie Miller averaged six to seven free throws a game in his prime without dribbling. A lot of his fouls were flailing, kicking his leg out, etc.

Its not new.

 

[MJ Truth]

Right. There was a time you couldn’t dunk. He might as well say they weren’t aggressive at the rim. The way that assists were counted in the 50/60s was not a thing in the 80s. Rules change. The game evolves.

The game changes. The game “evolving” is a matter of opinion.

 

[Apprentice]

Reggie Miller averaged six to seven free throws a game in his prime without dribbling. A lot of his fouls were flailing, kicking his leg out, etc.

Its not new.

Not comparable to jumping back into a defender and getting free throws

 

[Born2BKing]

Ask Reggie Miller

Im talking the norm, not an anomaly.

 

[mastermind]

Not comparable to jumping back into a defender and getting free throws

He was also doing everything the players do today back then. He even jokes about it when he does commentary.