In early December, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Boston Celtics 115-111 after overcoming a 12-point deficit. While it was a fierce battle between the Eastern Conference’s top two teams, it was best remembered for its lackluster end owing to frequent visits to the charity stripe. The Celtics and Cavaliers combined for 18 free throws in the final 26 seconds. According to Brad Botkin of CBS Sports, it lasted about half an hour and was a “frankly torturous conclusion.” Sports analyst Bill Simmons, a prominent Celtics devotee, proposed a simple regulation to address the NBA’s late-game dilemma.
“I think I speak for everyone, this sucks,” Simmons stated on his podcast. “The free throw parade down the stretch is abominable and it feels like it’s getting worsening.”So, how can we repair it? I have a regular-season solution for this. If you foul someone in the final minute of the game, regardless of the score, whether you’re ahead or behind, the first free throw counts for two points. “That’s it.”
He clarified that if a player misses his first free shot, he can still shoot the second one, but it will only count for one point.
Overall, the Cavaliers and Celtics only attempted 44 free throws in the aforementioned game, with Donovan Mitchell securing the hard-earned victory with back-to-back attempts in the final four seconds.
The league average for free throw attempts this season is 22.4 per game, according to StatMuse. The Denver Nuggets lead the NBA with 22.5 free throw attempts per game.
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