Unusual Free Throw Disparity
The Lakers, known for typically receiving more free throw attempts than their opponents in regular matchups, were again faced with an unexpected scenario in the first game of the playoff series against the defending champions, the Nuggets.
Lopsided Free Throw Numbers
Playing as visitors, the Lakers managed to earn 19 free throw opportunities throughout the game, far surpassing the Nuggets’ mere 6 attempts. Notably, the Nuggets did not even visit the free throw line once in the second half, setting a rare record in the league.
Historical Context
Historically, only three teams have won playoff games with as few as 6 free throw attempts. These teams include the 1992-93 Nets, the 2000-01 Bucks, and the 2022-23 Heat.
Examples of Previous Instances
In 1992-93, the Nets won against the Cavaliers in Game 4 of the first round with just 3 free throw attempts, securing a 96-79 victory, although they were eventually eliminated in the series’ fifth game. The Bucks, in the Eastern Conference Finals against the 76ers in 2000-01, earned only 6 free throw attempts in Game 2, one less than Allen Iverson alone, yet they won by a margin of 14 points. Similarly, in last year’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 7, the Heat managed to win with just 6 free throw attempts before proceeding to eliminate the Celtics and advance to the NBA Finals.
Lakers’ Free Throw Dominance
Since last season, the Lakers have consistently led the league in free throw attempts against their opponents, surpassing them by 507 attempts this season alone, more than twice as many as the second-place Celtics. Over the past two seasons, they have accumulated a total of 983 more free throw opportunities than their opponents.
Nuggets’ Adaptation
Despite the Lakers’ advantage in free throw attempts, the Nuggets seem accustomed to such discrepancies. During their nine-game winning streak against the Lakers spanning seasons, the Nuggets received 130 free throw attempts, while the Lakers had a staggering 204. (Yaman88)