The NBA has introduced a subtle yet impactful rule change for the 2025 Summer League that could reshape how players approach the final seconds of each quarter.
In an effort to encourage more buzzer-beating attempts and reduce the stigma around missed long-distance shots, the league announced that unsuccessful end-of-quarter “heaves” will no longer count against a player’s individual field goal percentage. Instead, these shots will be recorded as team missed field goals, effectively removing the statistical penalty for players who take them.
This adjustment, which was tested during the 2024–25 G League season, is now being implemented across all 2025 Summer League competitions, including the California Classic, Salt Lake City Summer League, and the Las Vegas showcase. According to the NBA’s official release, a shot qualifies as a “heave” if it is taken within the final three seconds of the first, second, or third quarters, originates in the backcourt, and is launched from beyond the outer edge of the center circle, roughly 36 feet from the basket.
The change addresses a long-standing quirk in NBA behavior: players often hesitate to launch desperation shots at the end of quarters, fearing the impact on their shooting percentages. In an era where efficiency metrics heavily influence player evaluation and contract negotiations, even a single missed half-court attempt can skew a stat line. This has led to awkward moments where players dribble out the clock rather than attempt a low-percentage shot that could help their team but hurt their numbers.
By shifting the statistical burden from the individual to the team, the NBA hopes to incentivize more of these thrilling, last-second attempts. It’s a move that aligns with the league’s broader push to enhance entertainment value while also acknowledging the analytical pressures players face. While the rule is currently limited to Summer League play, its successful trial in the G League and now in Las Vegas suggests it could be adopted for the regular season in the near future.
