The Nets and Celtics played a 44-minute preseason contest yesterday at Barclays Center, and "as far as anyone involved in the game was concerned, it was hardly any different from a traditional 48-minute game," according to Tim Bontemps of the N.Y. POST. While the game "clocked in at just under two hours -- about 10-15 minutes shorter than an average NBA game -- it also wasn’t an accurate representation of what might happen in a shorter game, since there was little to no strategy taking place at the end of the game and there were few, if any, stoppages in play." Nets G Joe Johnson said, "I didn’t notice a difference at all. I think it’s pretty much the same. If you’re playing the same minutes, it doesn’t really matter" (N.Y. POST, 10/20). Celtics coach Brad Stevens said, "You noticed it a little bit when you are subbing at the start of quarters, but I thought the flow with one less minute was actually a little bit better in the second and fourth. I didn't notice it other than that." Nets coach Lionel Hollins: "I looked up there and we were already to the first timeout (with 6:41 left in the first quarter). That was kinda surprising. That was the only time it seemed like it was quicker, but other than that, I didn't really notice" (ESPNNY.com, 10/20). In N.Y., Andrew Keh notes the "writing of history, in this instance, turned out wholly unremarkable and, according to the players involved, barely perceptible in real time." After the game, observers "were at a loss for interesting things to say about it." Keh notes halftime also was "shortened a minute" to 14 (N.Y. TIMES, 10/20). In Boston, Steve Bulpett notes Hollins pointed out that "before a more permanent change is made, it would have to be tested in the D-League or other exhibitions" (BOSTON HERALD, 10/20).
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ISSUE: NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts said that the "lack of playing time for guys coming off the bench is one reason why .... such an idea was never likely to get the group’s support moving forward" (N.Y. POST, 10/20). Cavaliers G James Jones said that he "doesn't support the reduction of minutes." Jones: "The structure of the games, the amounts of minutes that are played are working condition issues for us because it limits how much time our guys actually have to work. It's a major concern for us because there is an attempt, or at least an examination to see whether or not you limit the minutes of the games. And that has a direct impact on player's opportunities to work and to provide for themselves. ... Limiting minutes has a bigger impact on reserve players." He added, "This is an issue that can't be resolved with one side just dictating what they think is best for our game" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 10/20). Pelicans coach Monty Williams said, "I see both sides of it. I can see the benefits of it: You can cut off six to eight games per season. That’s a lot of wear and tear to cut down (on players’ bodies)." But he added, "It hurts the role players when you take that much time off the game. Role players wouldn’t get the minutes they typically get, and those guys need those minutes to get paid the money they deserve" (Baton Rouge ADVOCATE, 10/18).
ANOTHER WAY TO SAVE WEAR AND TEAR: Spurs G Tony Parker said that a "better idea ... would be to maintain game lengths but cut down on the eight-game, one-month preseason schedule." Parker: "Play four preseason games instead of eight, and those two weeks you can help spread the season. That would be better. Because everyone arrives in shape at training camp" (MYSANANTONIO.com, 10/19).
