The Boston Celtics has made their names into NBA history books on Tuesday night. Facing off against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Boston Celtics became the first team ever in the league to complete a game without a single free-throw attempt. This contest culminated in a 104-91 defeat for the Boston Celtics, a record-low two free throw attempts in total.
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The Boston Celtics’ failure to shoot any free throws throughout the game set a new record in NBA history. Despite taking 21 shots at the rim, the Boston Celtics couldn’t draw a single foul from the Bucks, an occurrence that has never been witnessed in the league before.
The Bucks, their opponents in this historic match-up, didn’t fare much better from the charity stripe. They managed a two free throw attempts.
The importance of this game is beyond just the teams involved. It’s NBA officiating and gameplay, characterized by a decline in free-throw attempts since the All-Star break.
The game also saw the Bucks commit a four fouls throughout, the fewest ever recorded in an NBA game. This highlights the overall scarcity of fouls and free-throw opportunities in the match.
Players from both sides expressed their lack of foul calls and free-throw attempts. Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum described it as “another day in the NBA,” hinting at the unpredictable nature of officiating, especially as teams gear up for the playoffs.
Coaches also chimed in on the unusual proceedings of the game. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers jokingly remarked on NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s likely approval of the game’s swift pace, lasting one hour and fifty-seven minutes.
The game’s lack of free throws also ties into recent rule changes aimed at curbing certain foul-drawing techniques.
Referees are now instructed to be discerning in awarding fouls for “overt, abrupt, or abnormal non-basketball moves,” a change intended to address perceived abuses of the foul-drawing system by players like James Harden and Trae Young.
Ben Taylor, returned to action after a two-month absence due to illness. His presence, alongside his fellow referees, may have influenced the flow and style of officiating in this particular game.
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As teams prepare for the postseason, the game’s lack of free throws could be as a preview of the officiating style expected in playoff basketball.
Players and coaches alike may need to adjust their strategies to account for fewer foul calls and free-throw opportunities.
The game saw a high volume of three-point attempts, with a combined total of 88 shots from beyond the arc.
The historic game between the Boston Celtics and the Bucks observed since the NBA All-Star break, wherein free throw attempts have declined across the league.
This suggests a shift towards a more physical style of play, by increased tolerance for contact and reduced reliance on free throws as a scoring mechanism.
Players from both teams expressed astonishment at the scarcity of free throw attempts and the overall flow of the game.
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum remarked, “Another day in the NBA,” acknowledging the unpredictable nature of professional basketball.
Meanwhile, Bucks guard Damian Lillard noted the officiating tendencies, stating, “Fouls are not a part of the game no more.”
The game was not without its concerns, as Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to exit the court due to a calf injury.
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