Missed free throws hurt Sixers as much as anything else
We can talk until we're all blue in the face about the things that the Sixers did or didn't do that cost them Game 1, 92-91, against Boston.
Missed free throws hurt Sixers as much as anything else
John Mitchell, Inquirer Staff Writer
We can talk until we’re all blue in the face about the things that the Sixers did or didn’t do that cost them Game 1, 92-91, against Boston.
The thing that stands out the most to me is that late stretch of the game when four awful possessions in a row in the final three minutes transformed what had been a one-point Sixers’ lead in to a six-point Boston lead with a little less than 1 minute, 20 seconds remaining.
And then there were the no-shows by Elton Brand (four points, one rebound) and Jrue Holiday (eight points on 3-for-13 shooting and four assists). They certainly can’t have repeat performances like these on Monday if the Sixers are going to have any hope of evening the series.
But taking those things into consideration, the Sixers, who appeared for the better part of four quarters to have Game 1 in the bag, could have actually won it had they shot a little better from the line.
The Sixers converted 70 percent of their free throws (14 of 20). Conversely, the Celtics made all but one of their 19 free throws (94.7 percent).
Basically, two more free throws (Brand missed both of his attempts in the game) and the Sixers survive Rajon Rondo’s triple-double and Kevin Garnett’s rebirth for a 1-0 lead.
Contact staff writer John N. Mitchell at jmitchell@philly.com. Follow him on Twitter @JmitchInquirer
I have posted much the same. The 76ers have needed to work on free-throw shooting all season long. Against a veteran team that makes their share (& more) of free-throws the 76ers can use every FT they can get right about now. The younger players need to learn to slow down. Free throws get your vets much-needed rest so take your time. I don't remember the last time a 10-second violation was called on free-throws. Refs are pretty lax on that. Get into whatever mental state gives you the best chance to hit the freebies whether it's Iguodala who imagines teaching his son free-throw shooting or whatever. Brand going 0-2 just shows the big guy is tired. Don't be afraid to use Thad/LaVoy/Vucevic whoever you need if Brand is playing tired.— joecooler2u- What hurt the 76ers was Lou Williams' 1. missed layup 2. turnover 3. shooting a 3 with about 20 seconds on the shot clock with no one underneath for a rebound... All within a 2 minute span in the 4th quarter.....— elfman
- FT shooting has been achilles heel all year. Iggy is the worst offender, but across the board the sixers' players have a knack for missing big FTs. Holiday and Hawes are pretty consistent but overall their FT shooting is mediocre and unreliable.— Yakov
- Poor FT shooting has got to be the most frustrating thing especially in close loses. These guys make millions as the best players available and they suck at FTs. Even after years of playing HS, college and in the pros. There's just no excuse. Uh, practice makes perfect. But do the coaches seem to care?
- It appears to be all mental at this stage. It seems Pierce realizes he is playing on one leg and does whatever he needs to get to the line where he is money in the bank. No one on the Sixers, even Lou, gives me that confidence that they can money FTs. How many times has Lou gotten a three-point foul and missed at least one. That is unacceptable!!!— pzales
- What is Lou's FT%? Who is the leading FT shooter in percentage and attempts per minute?...Watch more games,friend. — bearsfriend
- Although the 70 % FT shooting can and should be immproved upon, and looked pedestrian compared tho the Celtics hitting on 19-20...the Sixers just came off a Series shooting 75%, and were basically freakish good in the 4rth quarters from the line against the Bulls (47-52), including winning the Series with clutch FTs at game 6's close...Frankly, I believe the writers are running out of things to break down.— bearsfriend
John Mitchell is in his second year covering the 76ers for the Inquirer after joining the paper in November 2011. He covered the Washington Wizards for the Washington Times from 1998 to 2008. He's also worked at the Philadelphia Tribune, the Wilmington News Journal, Courier-Post, Trenton Times and Elmira Star-Gazette.Born and raised in West Philadelphia - not too far from Will Smith - he graduated from Overbrook High School the same year the 76ers won their last championship. He's a proud graduate of Howard University and the proud father of two sons, Jared and Jordan.
ABOUT MARC NARDUCCI
Marc Narducci has served in a variety of roles with the Inquirer since beginning in 1983. He has covered the 76ers as a backup and a beat writer. In addition, Narducci has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the World Series and a lot in between. Narducci also has a true passion for South Jersey scholastic sports, which he has covered for many years.
