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NBA, Cavaliers to Reevaluate Cleveland’s Raised Court After Luka Dončić Fall

Talks focus on safety fixes prompted by renewed complaints about a 10-inch sideline drop-off.

Overview

  • A league spokesperson said the NBA and the Cavaliers will meet to revisit Rocket Arena’s court design following Dončić’s ankle scare.
  • Dončić returned to the game in Cleveland but was later listed as questionable for the Lakers’ Friday matchup in Washington with right ankle soreness.
  • Cleveland’s floor is the NBA’s only raised court, sitting roughly 10 inches above a rubber mat over the arena’s ice surface.
  • Options under evaluation include adding tapered ramps at the edges, widening the platform so floor seats sit on it, or lowering/removing the wood blocks to reduce the drop.
  • The Cavaliers say the layout complies with NBA rules, while the NBPA has renewed safety talks and critics have cited past incidents, including Dru Smith’s 2023 ACL tear.