The MBA’s ‘Blitz 3

In World War II, Adolf Hitler unveiled a new strategy for gaining ground over the Allied Forces. His faithful strategists christened the move "blitzkrieg" literally "lightning war." Decades later, the term still evokes fear, albeit most often just in sporting circles.

This season, the Metropolitan Basketball Association will unveil its style of lightning war. The commissioner’s office has created a new rule called the "Blitz 3." Its effect is slowly dawning upon the league’s eight teams.

In essence, the Blitz Three rewards good defense or quick offensive execution, and, quite frankly, increases chances to score. Simply put, a basket scored within four seconds of a change of possession uninterrupted by a referees’ whistle (steal, interception, made basket) counts as three points. If you are fouled and make the basket, it’s a four-point possibility.

Originally, the intention was to implement the blitz period within eight seconds of a change of possession. However, that would have made the rule too much of a contrivance, since plays would be designed for that. It would get in the way of the game. So it was trimmed to four.

Once a change of possession is recorded, a light goes on under each basket, signaling the chance for a Blitz 3. The light goes off after four seconds, indicating that the opportunity is no longer there. Since the shot clock reverts back to 23 seconds when a change of possession occurs, it’s easy to keep track. If a team forces a change of possession, takes an attempt and misses the goal, they can even follow up the shot and be credited the three points, provided all this takes place within the blitz period.

How does this impact the game? First of all, it challenges the offensive team to protect the ball (and, consequently, their lead) better. They can’t just sit on their possession, since defensive pressure could make them yield more points that usual. Now, a ten-or twelve-point advantage in the last two minutes won’t seem so safe. When the "free three" was implemented in the MBA in 1998, a handful of teams got casual and embarrassingly blew double-digit spreads in the last minute or so by fouling to stop the clock. The offended player would then hit a free three and bring the score closer. The Blitz 3 will do the same.

This will also help equalize the playing field, and reward hard work a little better, not just talent. For example, a team like the Socsargen Marlins, which may not be as big as other teams, will surely reap benefits from the new rule. Coach Boycie Zamar loves to use a full-court press to rattle opponents, and now his team will earn more points for it.

On the other hand, a big team like the Cebu Gems might have trouble moving the ball around if their opponent keeps on pressing. They would be particularly susceptible to a Blitz 3. The challenge would be for taller players to improve their dribbling and passing abilities. Ultimately, the rule makes everyone play better. And faster.

This also opens up more scoring opportunities off turnovers and inbounds from made baskets. If you can score in four seconds, that means your offense is very quick to spot openings. Scores will definitely go up. And that’s what the fans want.

The MBA has already sped up the game in many ways. First, it reduced the time to cross mid-court from ten seconds to eight, years before FIBA adopted it. Secondly, it reduced the shot clock from 24 to 23 seconds. Third, it incorporated the college possession or privilege arrow into the pro game, eliminating the need for constant jumpball situations. Then it added the free three as a safety valve against blowouts. Now, it has created the Blitz 3.

At the end of the day, the measure of the new rule will be how well the fans will be able to explain it and its effect among themselves in the next days’ coffee shop discussions. That will be the true gauge of success of the MBA’s lightning war.