The NBA will now record missed full-court or long-range attempts at the end of periods as team misses, not player misses.

Previously, a player who tried a desperate buzzer-beater in the dying seconds of a quarter would see their stats take a hit, which discouraged many from attempting last-second chances. 

This change, reported by Shams Charania, may seem subtle but directly impacts how stars, especially statistical outliers like Jokic, will be measured and how end-of-period plays are approached around the NBA. 

Jokic’s Unorthodox Approach Stands Out

Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets superstar and perennial MVP candidate, stands apart from his peers for his willingness to fire off these low-percentage heaves.

While many players hesitate to risk their shooting averages, Jokic attempted a league-record 22 heaves last season, converting two.

Factoring them in, Jokic still shot a remarkable 57.6% overall and 41.7% from deep. Without the heaves, his numbers would have been even better at 58.4% and 44% respectively.

Jokic’s indifference to personal stats and his focus on maximizing team points exemplifies a rare mindset at the elite level. 

Impact for Jokic and League Trends

With the penalty for missed heaves removed from individual records, expect more players to attempt last-gasp shots, benefiting team outcomes without fear of statistical damage.

Jokic’s reputation for always taking the shot—regardless of his box score—might have less competitive distinction going forward, as the rule could embolden others to follow suit.

While Jokic himself is unlikely to care about the numerical lift, this rule change will likely reduce the stigma around buzzer-beating heaves, encouraging a higher frequency of last-second heroics across the league.