The World’s Greatest Basketball League’s free-throw shooting is currently on fire, and it’ll remain so after the NBA Finals. Regardless of the outcome of Game 3, we can confidently say this is a fact. During the regular season, the NBA’s 30 teams achieved an impressive 78.2% composite score from the line.
It was the first time in basketball history that the league average surpassed the 78% threshold for an entire season. I thought this deserved more coverage, so I wrote about it twice. With all the talk about free-throws during the first two games of this series, it hit me that I needed to check league-wide free-throwing during the playoffs.
The results are in, and it’s a shocker: NBA teams are shooting a historical 79.5% from the line during the 2022-23 playoffs, as we move from the Rockies to South Beach. That’s 80%, which is pretty incredible considering how close it is to the 79.538% mark.
NBA free-throwers have converted at least 78.4% of their free-throws for five straight seasons, a record in league history, which is pretty impressive.
Teams average 21.7 free throws during playoff games, which is a slight decline from last year but still on par with the 1973-74 season, where the average reached 21.4 free-throws per playoff game.
Now, let’s talk about how amazing these achievements are. Good shooting leads to more wins, and it’s safe to say that NBA free-throw shooting is one of the most critical aspects of the game.
The closer the player stands to the basket, the easier the shot, but the increased pressure of having the ball can make it difficult. This is where you need to be calm under pressure, and you need to rely on muscle memory and skill.
Players who consistently shoot high percentages are not only more valuable to their teams, but they also have the confidence to shoot when it matters most.
Free-throw shooting is a rare opportunity for players to collect points without being guarded or challenged. It may seem like an easy task, but with the pressure of the crowd, TV audience, and the game on the line, it’s anything but.
The smallest details matter here, such as what you did for breakfast or whether you focused enough during practice. These shots add up, and a player’s free-throw percentage is the sum of all these little details.
There are different shooting strategies that players use when shooting free throws, but the importance of muscle memory cannot be ignored. Every free-throw shooters have a unique approach, which is most effective for them.
For some, it’s about focus and a deep breath before releasing the ball, while others have a pre-shot routine that they go through every single time they step to the line. The goal is to follow your routine every single time, no matter how nervous you are.
The pressure of playing in the NBA finals might cause many players to falter, but for some, it brings out the best in them.
It’s all about being capable at this stage, capable of delivering under pressure. In this series, the Miami Heat made a record-low of two trips to the line during Game 1 before bouncing back and sinking 18 of their 20 free-throw attempts in Game 2.
It’s worth noting that players shoot better when they’re comfortable, and it’s no surprise that Miami performed extremely well when they felt at ease.
It’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of shooting free throws, even after becoming great at it. A player’s focus should be centered on his body and his technique. He should be able to block out the crowd, tune out the noise, and focus solely on what is happening with the ball in his hands.
It’s essential to slow down and take a deep breath before shooting to avoid missing the shot or the line. The ability to shoot free throws at a high percentage has never been more important in the NBA, where matches can be won or lost by a single point.
The free throw line is a place where the players have complete control over the outcome, unlike other situations in the game. As such, it can be a total game-changer for teams looking to gain an edge over their rivals. High free-throw shooting percentage is a sign of good character, focus, discipline, and attention to detail.
Apart from the technical aspect, there are other things that come into play, like the dynamics of a particular team. Players need to be able to step up when the team needs them most, and that’s when character comes into play.
A team’s leader should be a player who is willing to step up and control the team, and this leadership should not only be present with the ball in their hands, but also when they don’t have it. They should lead by example and be the embodiment of the team’s free-throw philosophy.
The free-throw shooting percentage is one of the most personal stats in basketball. No matter how great the team may be, an individual’s free-throw record ultimately holds the key to their success.
It’s interesting to note that the best free-throw-shooting teams are not necessarily the ones that make the most trips to the line. It’s all about taking advantage of the few opportunities that most teams get in the game. A team that shoots better than the others when it comes to the line often ends up being the victors.
Players who excel at free-throw shooting are often the most disciplined and controlled during the game. They have the ability to concentrate on the ball and avoid distractions like the crowd or the pressure of the moment.
Practice is key for players who wish to improve their free-throw percentage. Creating a routine that suits them best will help to develop muscle memory, one of the most critical components of shooting free-throws.
It’s safe to say that the NBA’s free-throw shooting percentage is higher now than it’s ever been. It’s a testament to the hard work that players put in each day, and it’s something that should be admired by basketball fans worldwide.
The playoffs have shown that free-throw shooting is a key part of the game, and players and teams must focus on this aspect continuously. One free throw can make all the difference in a crunch match, and every player must be ready to perform when the opportunity arises.
Free-throw shooting is not just a game of numbers; it’s an art, and it requires practice and dedication to become a master. It’s all about developing the right mindset and focusing on what’s important.
Players can learn a lot from the ones who consistently shoot high percentages during the game, and it’s a skill that they should work hard to develop. Free-throw shooting is fundamental to the game of basketball and can decide the outcome of a game, or even a season.
After all the record-breaking performances, we can safely say that free-throw shooting in the NBA is at an all-time high. It’s a sport that requires discipline, dedication, and a willingness to keep improving.
The NBA is filled with talented players who shoot high percentages from the free-throw line, and they understand the importance of every single shot. With the bar set high, it’ll be interesting to see how players continue to improve their free-throwing in the future.
So, what have we learned today? Free-throw shooting is one of the most crucial aspects of basketball, and it requires discipline, hard work, and focus.
League-wide free-throw shooting has never been higher than it is now, and players must continue to focus on this aspect of the game if they want to stay ahead of the curve.
Teams that have a high free-throw shooting percentage often win more often, and players need to be prepared to seize every opportunity. Anyone can learn free-throw shooting if they practice hard enough, create a routine, and focus on the right mental approach.
In conclusion, free-throw shooting in the NBA has never been better, and it’s a trend that is set to continue. Players will continue to work hard to improve their percentage, and the team’s who focus on this aspect continuously will find themselves with the upper hand.
Basketball fans worldwide have witnessed some incredible free-throw shooting during the playoffs, and it’s safe to say that we all appreciate the art of free-throwing.