OKC Thunder free throw phenomena in clutch time
We all know that OKC Thunder struggles at the free throw line, but today’s examination explores the phenomena of OKC’s free throw shooting in clutch time.
In general, the OKC Thunder sits at No. 28 in the league shooting 71.3 percent from the line. For perspective, the No. 1 spot is occupied by the San Antonio Spurs shooting the highest average, 81.8 percent on the season.
In clutch time, the team jumps 17 spots to take No. 11 in the league averaging 79.1 percent free throw shooting. Boston owns the top spot in this category with 87.1 percent. Thunder also ranks No. 2 in clutch time free throw attempts, an area the team should really exploit.
It’s never a good feeling when OKC Thunder is in a tight situation and has to earn the win at the free throw line. But, in retrospect, I’ve begun to realize they really don’t struggle that bad when the game is on the line (meaning winnable when down during the last few minutes).
Cluitch time free throw shooting:
Since the All-Star break, OKC is 10-13 and 2-1 through overtime battles in that span. For these ten wins, the team shot mostly 70 percent or higher at the line, dipping into the 60’s three times.
They started this stretch with a double-overtime win over Utah. OKC shot 80 percent at the line for the game hitting 20 of 25. Through the last five minutes of regulation, the team went 5-for-5 to contribute to the comeback to force overtime.
Their next win was over Memphis at a four-point margin. At the five minute mark, OKC Thunder trailed 89-81. Along with clutch field goals, the team combined to go 6-for-6 at the free throw line, sealing the win over the Grizzlies. Missing even one of those free throws would have made it a one-possession game and induced hope for Memphis to fuel a comeback over the last few minutes.
They met Utah again on March 11. While OKC led the entire fourth quarter, they still went perfect at the line hitting all four free throws through the last 3:30 while only allowing two attempts to the Jazz as they tried to fight off the loss.
In their most recent win, OKC Thunder shot a remarkable 84.6 percent at the free throw line, only missing four of their 26 attempts. OKC outscored the Timberwolves 37-29 in the fourth quarter to take the win at an 8-point margin.
OKC opened the fourth quarter trailing 97-95. The team fought the deficit with a 14-2 run, including a 4-for-4 performance at the line. OKC pulled the lead out to 12 points but was still forced to fight through the final seconds as Minnesota battled back within five for the final two minutes.
Along with two field goals, the team combined for another perfect performance at the line, sinking all five free throw attempts to seal the deal for a three-game winning streak.
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Now, missing free throws can be fun too. On April 2, OKC took a 16-point lead over the Lakers into the final 65 seconds. Steven Adams took position at the free throw line for two attempts but missed both. The basketball gods still smiled though, as Russ clinched the missed free throw for his 19th rebound of the night. A rebound that would later go down in history as the second double triple-double stat line in history.
While OKC Thunder has been known for extremely poor free throw shooting, this examination of clutch time and fourth quarter free throw performances is important as Playoff season approaches so very quickly.
A look at the clutch in playoff settings:
The two ideal opponents are Denver or Portland. On March 7, we beat Portland in overtime by single-digits. A seven game series with the Trail Blazers would likely call for high clutch time performances as I would predict very close ending scores. Portland ranks No. 13 in clutch time free throw shooting. OKC’s post-ASB fourth quarter free throw shooting gives me a little more faith.
On March 29, OKC loss to Denver at a 10-point margin. I feel confident that a seven game series would be pretty eventful between the two teams. Denver ranks No. 22 in clutch time free throw shooting, averaging 73.9 percent.
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If OKC Thunder can keep their fourth quarter/clutch time free throw shooting at maximum, and exploit the paint to draw more clutch time free throw attempts (instead of shooting completely unnecessary three-pointers *rolls eyes*), I’d say we may just have a Playoff team worth watching.