The league's approach prioritizes consistency, even as emotions and stakes escalate. While fans debate whether more calls are warranted, McCutchen stands firm: "We are trying to meet the moments of the passion of the playoffs." This season's data aligns with a pattern of heightened officiating in high-pressure scenarios, though the 11% gap remains exceptional. For context, the five largest historical increases clustered in a six-year span decades ago, suggesting today's playoffs may be entering uncharted territory in terms of referee scrutiny.