Detroit Pistons Struggle with Free Throw Disparities as Thrilling Season Continues

The Detroit Pistons have been delivering a series of close encounters this NBA season, capturing the attention of basketball enthusiasts. Recently, the team played consecutive nights, resulting in emotionally charged games that have left both fans and players feeling fatigued. These thrilling encounters have made the Pistons a popular choice among NBA League Pass subscribers, as their games consistently come down to the wire or into overtime.

In their latest matchup, the Pistons faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks, culminating in an overtime loss by just seven points. A significant factor in this game was the disparity in free throw attempts, with Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo receiving 17 opportunities from the charity stripe. In contrast, the entire Pistons team combined for just 13 attempts. This imbalance is not new for the Pistons, as they have historically struggled with receiving favorable calls, a problem exacerbated now that they are more competitive.

Despite these challenges, blaming referees entirely for the Pistons’ struggles would be inaccurate. Detroit has been plagued by late-game turnovers, missed free throws, and scoring droughts. However, their rank of 25th in the league for free throws per game indicates a concerning trend. The team averages slightly over 20 free throws per game, trailing behind the leaders, the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers, who secure 28.3 and 27.5 attempts, respectively.

Interestingly, the Pistons are not heavily dependent on three-pointers, attempting fewer shots from beyond the arc than many teams. Instead, they focus on paint and mid-range shots, traditionally areas where fouls are more commonly drawn. The Pistons rank 15th in points in the paint yet still experience fewer fouls, highlighting a potential inconsistency in officiating.

A focal point in this discussion is Cade Cunningham, who is among the top shooters in the league but struggles to get to the free-throw line. Cunningham took 34 shots in the game against the Bucks but converted only four free throw attempts. This contrasts sharply with Antetokounmpo, who matched Cunningham’s shot count but received 17 free throws. Despite Cunningham ranking seventh in the NBA for shot attempts per game, he ranks 50th for free throw attempts, an outlier considering his usage rate.

While Cunningham faces defensive pressure, often being targeted with double teams, there is a clear need for Detroit to develop strategies that empower him as a playmaker. Enhancing his ability to execute in clutch situations is crucial for the Pistons to secure victories in close games and for Cunningham to consolidate his potential as a star player.

The disparity in foul calls might be symptomatic of the team’s relatively low profile, lacking a recognized superstar who typically garners more favorable officiating. For the Pistons to progress, these issues of officiating must be addressed, and an overall improvement in late-game execution is essential.