Record-Breaking Game
The NBA game between the Boston Celtics and the Milwaukee Bucks made history as both teams combined for just two free throws throughout the entire match. The Celtics, in particular, became the first team ever in NBA history to not attempt a single free throw during a game.
Bucks’ Victory and Giannis’ Free Throw
The Bucks emerged victorious with a score of 104-91 against the Celtics. The only instance of a player going to the free-throw line in the game occurred with just 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter when the Bucks’ star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, had the opportunity. He managed to convert one of his two free throws.
Doc Rivers’ Reaction
Reacting to the historic low number of free throws in the game, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers humorously remarked, “Oh my God! Adam Silver must be thrilled. The game lasted 1 hour and 57 minutes. You can come watch a game, then go have dinner. It’s unbelievable.”
Surprise Discovery
Rivers mentioned that he only found out about the low number of free throws after the game had ended. He thought he was being handed halftime statistics when the staff gave him the offensive and defensive data sheets.
Breaking Previous Records
Before this game, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Atlanta Hawks jointly held the record for the lowest number of free throws attempted by a single team in a game with one. The Celtics’ achievement of zero free throws broke this record. Additionally, the Bucks committed only four fouls in the game, marking the fewest fouls by a team in NBA history.
Historical Context
The combined total of two free throws attempted by both the Celtics and the Bucks sets a new record. The previous record was set on November 10, 2019, when the Indiana Pacers attempted five free throws, and the Orlando Magic attempted six, resulting in a total of 11 free throws in a game.
Unusual Circumstances
This rare occurrence of minimal free-throw attempts happened during the Celtics-Bucks matchup, making it even more surprising. Before today’s game, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the league in free-throw attempts for the season with 780, while Damian Lillard ranked 7th with 494 attempts, and Jayson Tatum ranked 8th with 488 attempts.
Implications and Reactions
The lack of free throws in the game raises questions about the officiating and style of play, with some players and coaches expressing surprise at the unprecedented occurrence. Despite being one of the league leaders in free-throw attempts, Giannis Antetokounmpo had limited opportunities at the line in this particular game, highlighting the anomaly of the situation. (JILIEVO)
