3 keys to the Portland Trail Blazers’ sizzling start to the season
By Jake Focht
Portland Trail Blazers Key #2: Free Throw Battle
Another unexpected key for Portland Trail Blazers has been their ability to dominate from the free-throw line. On a per-game basis, Portland is first in the NBA making 25.5 free throws per game while holding their opponents to the third-fewest free throw attempts. They are averaging 12.5 more makes from the line than their opponents.
This results from less reliance on the three-pointer and attacking the paint with more aggression. If we look back at Portland in 2020/2021, which was the last time Portland was healthy and not tanking, the Blazers were second in the NBA with 40.8 three-point attempts per game. Through four games this season, the Blazers are 23rd with 29.8 attempts per game. As a result, they aren’t living or dying with the three balls.
This inside-out approach leads to higher percentage looks from three– hence being seventh in the league in three-point %. Jerami Grant is a big reason for increased free throw numbers. He gives the Blazers a wing slasher that they have desperately needed. Grant is averaging a career-high 7 free throw attempts per game.
Free throw rate is one of the famous “Four Factors of Basketball Success” and Portland has excelled in this metric. Their ability to get to the line while defending without fouling has certainly been a key to their early success.