LOS ANGELES – Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau thought his team’s 120-109 loss to the Clippers was one of the more physical games they have played this season.
That might not have seemed like such a big deal five seasons ago or even last season, but in this particular year, that’s worth mentioning.
That’s because the NBA has told officials to emphasize an offensive player’s “freedom of movement,” a phrase quickly becoming part of the basketball vernacular. Freedom of movement means defenders can’t grab or hold the player they are guarding, even if the player is stationary.
“How we adjust to the way the game is being called is critical,” Thibodeau said.