NBA's New Replay and Challenge Rules are the Right Move for the League

The NBA followed in the footsteps of its professional sports league counterparts with the implementation of instant replay and coach's challenge rules. While there won't be a physical flag, coaches will be allowed one challenge per game.

While many will complain about the amount of time added to the conclusion of games, it was the move that had to be made.

Sources: The NBA Board of Governors have passed the implementation of in-game challenge flags for head coaches for the 2019-20 season.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 9, 2019

If there's one thing that professional sports leagues don't want, it's a missed call that plays a factor in the outcome of a postseason game. For the NBA, there was a recent prime example of incorrect calls, and that came in the Western Conference Semi-Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets.

In Game 1, there were three missed calls that benefited the Warriors, including a missed call that should have resulted in Steph Curry being fouled out and Eric Gordon heading to the charity stripe to potentially tie the game.

Then, there was Game 3, where James Harden should have been called for a charge while attempting his game-clinching shot. Instead, the refs didn't issue it, and Harden's floater counted.

Just a few missed calls in the Rockets-Warriors last two minute report, most notably a charge on James Harden on his game-clinching floater in OT. Curry got away with a travel and Thompson a 3 seconds, both seen in enhanced video. Paul fouled on the jump ball with 1.5 left.
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) May 5, 2019

The NBA's Last Two Minute Reports don't lie. Missed calls tainted that playoff series.

Yes, many will moan about the games dragging on at the end of pivotal postseason games, but it's beneficial for the integrity of the game. How many times have fans used the words "rigged" in NBA games? Far too many, and it has to stop.

Sources: Besides approving coach's challenge, Board of Governors approved replay center's ability -- in addition to game refs -- to trigger instant replay. Approved circumstances include whether it's a 2 or 3 point FG; and if a shot was made prior or after the shot clock expired.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 10, 2019

In order to right the previous wrongs, this is a step in the right direction. Plus, it's only one challenge per team per game, so it's not the end of the world.