Are the rules different from the NBA and does that matter?
RE: Are the rules different from the NBA and does that matter?
Well, for one, this is not a best of 7 playoff game, when you lose, you are eliminated.
Also, in the international games, it’s only 40 minutes and a possible 5 minute overtime vs. the NBA which is 48 minutes and a 5 minute overtime.
In the international game, you are allowed only 5 fouls and you’re out. In the NBA you are allowed 6 fouls.
In the international games, the zone defense is legal. In the NBA zone defense is also legal but defensive player may not stay in the lane (a.k.a. key, restricted area) for longer than three seconds if he is not actively guarding an opponent.
There are others, but these are the major differences.
They mostly lost because the best players didn’t play. Next year is an Olympic year, so biggest stars didn’t want to play in FIBA World Championships, then a NBA season, then the Olympics.
But I’m glad they lost. Every now and then the arrogant NBA black players need to be reminded other countries have tall people too, who can shoot.