Is it true that basketball scores get so high just because basketball players suck at defense?

Question

Asked in hockey since hockey is often criticized for "not enough scoring"

Answer 1

In Basketball you actually get penalized (2-3 points) for goaltending.... They have their priorities mixed up.

Answer 2

No, it's not true. Basketball is a completely different sport than hockey. Anybody can run down a court, pass a ball, and throw it into a hoop---especially if you are 8 feet tall.

Hockey, however, involves much more skill and talent. Am I bias because I love hockey? Maybe. But, that doesn't make it anyless of a fact.

Answer 3

Defense in basketball isn't always the best, but you dont have someone that is taller than the goal just standing there (like in hockey)

Answer 4

It is not that they are so bad at defense, as much as it is that they just don't play defense most of the season.  Once the playoffs roll around, they step up the defense and scores go down.

Answer 5

like comparing apples and oranges...why are you trying to compare hockey to basketball....the scoring is different because they are different sports.....even with the best defense basketball teams will score 70-80 points....even with the worst defense hockey teams will score 4-6 goals....not the same....

Answer 6

idts, i think its because its not hard to throw a ball into a hoop without a goalie if you know what im saying

Answer 7

no... its cause basketball penalizes goaltending... and everyone knows goaltending wins championships...

ESPN used to have a commercial about this when they actually broadcast hockey and didn't low ball em and then insult them every chance they got...but I digress... they had a hockey goalie sitting on top of a basketball backboard and he was kick saving all the shots and the caption read basketball would be better if it was hockey... and I tend to 110% agree.

Answer 8

Yup everybody just wants to score.

Answer 9

its a completely different game

Answer 10

I wouldnt say they suck at it.  I would say its not focused on.  Players dont care because scoring gets you on TV so young people follow that (same goes for dunks compared to actually shooting).  Coaches dont focus on it or teach it either.

Answer 11

Yes, there is no defense in the NBA.  The NHL has real defense and they're not afraid to get hit or fight someone.

Answer 12

It is true that basketball sucks!!

Answer 13

Its easier to shoot over people than through them.

Answer 14

i watch hockey and soccer, low scoring games, because when a team or your team scores it means more than a run, a touchdown or two points that piles on to 50 other baskets, the low scoring adds intensity and is more exciting.  that is why i like how the nhl has a lot of 3-2 games or even 3-1.  Basketball i only watch the final four.  the nba is boring since the players are too good(and lack of teamwork it seems) but still basketball has soo many points that it just isnt exciting.

Answer 15

If you could body check a basketball player, you'd have scores it the low 20s - 30s, IMO.

Answer 16

It is because you get 2 "free throws" for no contact at all.

Answer 17

Basketball sucks... Hockey is where its at, a true test of skill. Who watches the Champions trophy? (field hockey)

Answer 18

Basketball players are too afraid of contact.

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