Los Angeles Clippers: 3 takeaways from Game 4 defeat vs. Warriors

3. Free throw battle won by L.A.

Over the course of the regular season, the Clippers and Warriors ranked on opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to free throw shooting. LA ranked No. 1 in attempts per game, while the Dubs were third-worst in the league.

That trend continued in Game 4, to the tune of a 32-19 edge in favor of Los Angeles. L.A. would make 24 to Golden State’s 17, one of the few advantages held by the Clippers in what was ultimately an unfortunate loss.

Free throws have long been an easy way to put up points on the board. They’re one of the easiest shots in basketball, an uncontested 15-footer most NBA players should be able to hit with regular consistency.

Aside from possibly getting the opposition in foul trouble as well, trips to the line help to slow the game down and avoid any transition scenarios. Those are the same type of plays the Warriors thrive in, and in racking up so many attempts from the stripe, the Clippers did a great job of limiting Golden State to just 13 fast break points.

Especially in Oracle Arena, where every basket from the home team sends the crowd into a frenzy and swings momentum in their favor, it’s important for L.A. to keep the energy in the building low. That starts by pressuring the refs to blow their whistles with relentless attacks on the basket, keeping the game at a standstill and limiting what the Dubs do best.