A new rim system has been installed in the NBA for the 2009-10 season.

Through the first seven days of the new season, teams are scoring nearly five more points per game (99.96) than at the same point last year (95.17).

It's hard to measure the effect the new rims have on scoring, but Marc Stein of ESPN points out that teams are taking more three-pointers each year.

"I would liken these new rims to the ones found on the playgrounds that we grew up on," Rockets forward Shane Battier said. "If you miss on the back iron, it deadens the rebound. If you miss on the front rim, it gives the rebound spring and your chances of rolling the ball in are better."

Some say that the new rims are more forgiving.

"We upgraded to the 180-degree breakaway rim to improve safety and reduce the risk of players injuring or straining their bodies, hands, wrists or fingers," NBA spokesman Tim Frank said. "We're always looking for products that are safer without tangibly changing the game."