In a historic NBA game, the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics made headlines by combining for a record-low two free throw attempts. The Celtics, in a first for the league, did not attempt a single free throw throughout the game.
The only two free throws of the game were taken by Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who made one of them with just 19 seconds remaining in the first quarter of the Bucks' 104-91 victory.
The astonishingly low number of free throws caught the attention of both teams and fans alike. Bucks coach expressed his amazement at the situation, jokingly mentioning NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's delight at the swift pace of the game, which lasted just 1 hour and 57 minutes.
It was revealed post-game that the total of two free throw attempts was a surprise to many, including the coaches and players. The lack of fouls called during the game was highlighted by the fact that the Bucks committed only four fouls, setting a new league record for the fewest fouls in a game.
The previous record for the lowest combined free throw attempts in a game was one, held by the Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks. The Bucks and Celtics shattered this record with their two attempts, far below the previous mark.
Players speculated that the decrease in foul calls could be attributed to a shift in officiating as the season progresses towards the playoffs. Some noted that the trend of fewer fouls being called has been noticeable across the league in recent games.
Despite the star power on the court, with players like Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Jayson Tatum, the game saw an unprecedented lack of free throw opportunities, surprising many fans and experts.
As the NBA season continues, it will be interesting to see if this trend of reduced foul calls persists and how it may impact the style of play in the upcoming playoffs.
For more NBA news and updates, visit AP NBA.
