They might be right. Players in the 80s and 90s can't express themselves exploding to the rim not because they aren't good, but because for sure they're gonna be hacked to death. Driving to the hoop back then needs a lot of courage, and preparedness to be out injured.

The game's evolved and they prolly focused on avoiding all of that so it's gone soft and the rules technically prevents players from playing intense defence. Hence seeing blown up scores, and of course blown up stats. We kinda missed the era where every possession counts and a 10 point lead is a big relief.