Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks
By Tony Pesta
3. Getting to the free throw line
One of the biggest problems the Boston Celtics faced all season was their inability to get to the free throw line. With an average of 19.5 free throw attempts a game, only the Orlando Magic attempted fewer free throws than the Celtics.
It goes without saying that this hurt the team. Free throws are a great way to get a few easy points and spark an offense. Some of the greatest scorers in league history credit free throws as a method of heating up in a game.
Most teams would credit the referees for their lack of free throw shooting. However, the Celtics have only themselves to blame. A total of 12.7 percent of Boston’s points came from mid-range. This was the fifth-highest percentage in the league.
It’s simple: If Boston is settling for mid-range jump shots, it’s missing out on a chance to attack the rim and draw a foul. Fewer fouls mean fewer free throw attempts. This means the team is losing an opportunity to rack up easy points during the course of the game.
This problem hasn’t gotten any better since the postseason began. The Celtics are still shooting fewer free throws than 12 other teams, and have actually increased their percentage of mid-range jumpers to 15.6 percent.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been an elite defense all season long. Boston will be doing itself no favors if it can’t get to the free throw line against this team.