Making it to the free-throw line
This pales in comparison to a new three-point record being set as well as Antetokounmpo’s special performance, but the Bucks took advantage of their many trips to the free throw line in their win over the Kings.
For the day, the Bucks converted 30 of their 33 attempts from the foul line (90.9 percent), both coming in as season highs. That outpaced the Kings’ outing in that department where they put down 11 of their 22 trips (50 percent).
Of course, Giannis’ frequent visits to the charity stripe contributed to that gaudy number as he made up for more than a third of the team’s collective attempts (Antetokounmpo was also responsible for all three of their misses).
On the season, the Bucks rank 17th in the league regarding their free throw attempt rate at this point in the season, per NBA.com/stats. With that said, they have been efficient burying their chances from the free-throw line as they rank eighth in free throw shooting efficiency (80.1 percent).
It’s very easy to overlook, but considering how lethal and wildly efficient their new-look offense has been, the Bucks’ free throw effectiveness has played a small part in making all of that a reality to start the year.
The Bucks will hit the road to start their four-game West coast trek with a duel against the Portland Trail Blazers that will take place Tuesday night at 9 p.m. central time.