Historical NBA Rule Changes

[Cman]

I have a question for NBA history buffs:

Do you know of rule changes that have been intended to either (a) increase the ability of players to score or (b) increase the ability of players to defend?

I know I hear from time to time that the NBA is tweaking its rules a bit (like calling hand-checking a bit tighter) in order to allow more scoring. But I don't recall any of the actual rule changes and would like to put together a mini list. 

TPs to those with insight.  Thanks!

[Roy Hobbs]

The introduction of the three point line was a fairly big one.  The 24 second clock.  The 3 second rule.  Illegal defense.  Defensive 3 seconds.  There are a ton of others...

[Celtics17]

If you look into this closely you will find that a ton of changes were made that were aimed directly at Wilt. They were made primarily to slow down his dominance of the game. The lane was widened, I think offensive goal tending was allowed before that time but I could be wrong about that one, and there are a ton I cant remember.

The rules are changed to more these days to make the game more of an offensive game as the fans supposedly like it better that way. Before Jordan you could use two hands to check a player and then some would argue the rule was changed to be able to use just one hand so Jordan's game would be elevated even more.

[Cman]

Thanks guys.
If people have more, please post.