Adam Silver Sends Clear Message on NBA Officiating Amid Flopping Criticism

The NBA continues to face scrutiny and criticism from fans and analysts over the way games are officiated, including Game 5 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals.

That game featured several controversial plays and moments that some felt may have altered the Spurs’ mindset in the Thunder’s 127-114 win.

Three third-quarter officiating decisions fell under the spotlight, with a missed goaltending call against OKC, and a shooting foul incorrectly called on Spurs rookie Dylan Harper, even though the Thunder’s Jared McCain elbowed him in the throat.

There was also the missed attempt by Spurs coach Mitch Johnson to challenge an out-of-bounds call that clearly would’ve given his team the ball rather than it going to the Thunder. Johnson received a technical foul for complaining to the referees about the lack of a challenge.

And with all of that, there are also the ongoing claims that OKC’s two-time MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, benefits significantly from flopping to get calls when he’s going for shots and layups.

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On the recent episode of “The Pat McAfee Show,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver responded to the officiating concerns, including those flopping accusations.

“It’s been a conversation. I would only say that there’s a difference between selling a call with exaggeration and a true flop where you’re actually fooling the referees. I think sometimes even as I sit in the stands, players may be falling down, players maybe reacting to a call but then to me if they’re not fooling the referees, it’s like OK, the players are taught to sell calls these days,” Silver said.

“Can officiating get better? Of course. We’re always working on that. Can officials get fooled occasionally? We’re always looking at that as well,” he told McAfee, adding, “The officiating is incredible.”

Silver also mentioned that the NBA is working to implement an automated replay system, similar to the Hawk-Eye system used in tennis. He said it would involve an AI system with cameras lining the court so the coaches wouldn’t have to worry about challenges.

The goal would be to speed up play, rather than having officials take time to confirm or overturn calls during games.

Silver’s remark that the “officiating is incredible” isn’t what NBA fans want to hear, as many expressed displeasure over the product they’re seeing on television.

In Tuesday night’s Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals, officials called 29 fouls on the Spurs compared to 22 for the Thunder. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made 16 of 17 free throws in the game, giving him half of his 32 points in the win.

Silver’s comments regarding the move towards an automated replay system are encouraging, as it could definitely improve the NBA viewing experience. Nobody wants to wait through multiple referee reviews and challenges during what could be a fast-paced, exciting game.

Other professional sports are also using automated replay, including Major League Baseball and the National Football League, so the NBA should definitely follow suit.

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This story was originally published May 27, 2026 at 7:51 PM.