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Jaylen Brown jokes why Celtics drawing more fouls: ‘Maybe it was the fine’
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- Jaylen Brown jokes why Celtics drawing more fouls: ‘Maybe it was the fine’
BOSTON — Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla pointed out a key area in his team’s past two games: getting to the free throw line. The C’s have gotten 55 free throws over that two-game stretch, which Mazzulla credited to the team matching the opposition’s level of physicality.
It was also noteworthy because the Celtics have gotten to the free throw line the least of any team in the NBA this season. So, it’s a reversal in a season-long trend. Jaylen Brown , speaking after the Celtics blew out the Pacers on Wednesday , joked about what’s worked for the team in drawing more fouls.
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“Maybe it was the fine,” Brown said. “But that’s important. When you’re playing good teams, regardless of the Xs and Os, you could say complaints or not, if you’re getting to the free throw line less than 10 times, less than 6-8 times a game, it’s tough to win a ball game. Especially playing through physicality, etc. So I’m just going to keep putting pressure on the rim and keep trying to find ways to get those calls because it benefits us in the long run.”
Brown went on a rant about the officials after the Celtics’ loss to the Spurs on Jan. 10. The C’s shot just four free throws in the close loss, which is why Brown was “irate” with the officiating after the game. He was fined $35,000 for his comments , but he was alright with that after sticking up for his team.
The Celtics entered Wednesday’s game ranked last in the NBA with just 19.2 free throw attempts per game. Brown pointed that out as part of his frustrations. Considering the All-Star plays such a physical style, he’s often seen pointing out contact if he isn’t drawing a foul on a shot.
The free throws were a big part in helping the Celtics get out to a big lead Wednesday on the Pacers . They were a perfect 16-for-16 from the free throw line with Brown leading the charge at halftime. So even though they weren’t shooting a ton of 3-pointers, the Celtics won in a different style to overcome the Pacers.
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The free throw shooting has also seen a noticeable uptick recently. The Celtics are averaging 25.5 free throws over their last four games. Notably, getting to the line was important in the Pistons loss on Monday because Detroit plays such a physical style. That’s where Mazzulla said he was happy with his team because they’re combating an opponent’s physical style by drawing fouls.
“I’m pleased with back-to-back games, 25 and 30 free-throw attempts,” Mazzulla said. “Talking about the physicality, one of the ways you have to combat that is getting to the free-throw line. So I think back-to-back games, being able to do that just gives us a shot in a different way.”
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