The NBA’s 65-game rule just got shaken up, and not everyone is happy about it. Luka Doncic and Cade Cunningham are in the clear, but Anthony Edwards isn’t… Yankee Scores reports.
Extraordinary Circumstances Clause in Play
The league and NBPA agreed Thursday that Doncic and Cunningham qualified for end-of-season awards despite falling short of the 65-game minimum. The collective bargaining agreement includes an “extraordinary circumstances” clause, and both players successfully petitioned under it.
Doncic logged 64 qualified games but missed two in December while traveling abroad for the birth of his child. Cunningham played 63 games, missing 12 after suffering a collapsed lung, and appeared briefly in a 64th game.
“I am grateful to the NBPA for advocating on my behalf and to the NBA for their fair decision,” Doncic posted on X, thanking the Lakers organization for supporting his family priorities.
Luka back in Real Madrid 🔥 pic.twitter.com/mIpsXYNQYx
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 16, 2026
Edwards Denied by Arbitrator
Anthony Edwards, however, wasn’t granted the same leniency. Despite playing 60 games and appealing through arbitration, his case was denied. His manager, Justin Holland, expressed confusion: “I’m a bit confused at the clemency for Cade… but ultimately you already know Ant isn’t trippin over it AT ALL.”
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch was more blunt, questioning why the rule exists if exceptions are granted so often: “Feels more like a suggestion than a rule.”
Debate Over the 65-Game Rule
The rule has already sidelined stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Devin Booker from award eligibility. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic barely cleared the threshold in the final days of the season.
Commissioner Adam Silver defended the policy, saying it has curbed load management: “I generally think it’s worked… You see them on the floor now.”
NBPA president Fred VanVleet disagreed, calling this “an opportunity for us to reevaluate the rule in itself,” suggesting voters should decide case by case.
What’s Next
Ballots for awards are now being finalized, with winners to be announced during the playoffs. The controversy ensures the 65-game rule will remain a hot topic heading into the offseason.
