The NBA appears to be cracking down on the famed “rip through” once more, with Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant serving as an example of a player who initiates the action just to earn a penalty.

Every NBA season, fresh “points of emphasis” are provided to the league’s officials and referees, and Durant and his “infamous” play is part of this year’s lesson plan.

Bringing the rip-through move into focus is nothing new. It was also a point of emphasis in 2011, and the terminology at the time abolished the maneuver and related foul being called. Prior to 2011, the call was most commonly seen as interference with a player’s effort to shoot the ball, and two-shots from the free-throw line were usually granted.

Suns fans will also remember Chris Paul’s “rip through” as one of his defining maneuvers. Some players continued to use it and get to the line because they would keep it for a moment after the team had been called for a foul (foul shots after any foul).

While the motion can still result in a foul, the NBA emphasizes that if the player isn’t facing the basket, it may not be called at all.

“The rip through is a new addition to non-basketball moves this season.” “Specifically, the offensive player either moving the ball upward while facing away from the basket or moving the ball upward in a direction away from the basket,” said Monty McCutchen, NBA head of referee development and training.

Durant’s use of the move in last year’s playoff showdown between the Suns and Clippers was emphasized in particular.

“To initiate contact, the offensive player, Kevin Durant, swings his arms through the right arm of his defender, Nicolas Batum.” However, because Durant pushed the ball upwards while looking away from the hoop, this will be judged a non-basketball action, according to McCutchen.

Unfortunately for Durant, the Suns, and the supporters of the franchise, a similar play this season will most likely be a loose ball.

“And the ruling here would be a no-call, and a play-on situation,” the judge stated.

Traveling, screens, transition take fouls, and bench behaviour are also “points of emphasis” for the 2023-2024 season.