Missed free throws cost the Raptors the victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Toronto got to the line 29 times and they missed 9 free throw attempts. They ended up losing by 3 to the Cavaliers (105-102).
Poor free throw shooting is starting to become a common theme for the Raptors. It was free throw misses that got the Raptors eliminated from last season’s Play-In Tournament.
Toronto only made 18 of 36 attempts from the free throw line against the Chicago Bulls and missed two with the game on the line. It was the first time Toronto missed that many free throw attempts in a game in 25 years.
To begin the 2023-24 season the Raptors are continuing to struggle from the free throw line. They are shooting it 72.9 percent at the line:
Raptors shot 78.4% at the free throw line last season.
They shot 50% from the line in the play-in game on April 12th.
They’re shooting 72.9% at the line through 17 games this season.
— Keerthika Uthayakumar (@keerthikau) November 27, 2023
That percentage ranks the Raptors 28th in the league in free throw shooting.
Toronto’s latest loss to the Cavaliers was a frustrating one. Yes, Max Strus went off for 20 points in the third quarter. Yes, Scottie Barnes and Pascal Siakam had quiet outings, however the Raptors lost the game because of missed free throws.
If the Raptors continue to make a habit of missing free throws then they will continue to lose tight games.
Dennis Schroder is the Raptors best free throw shooter right now at 86.8 percent.
Toronto is actually doing a decent job of getting to the line this season averaging 22 free throw attempts per game. However, the Raptors need to start hitting them.
Poeltl has best game of season
Poeltl did not have any issues from the free throw line against the Cavaliers. He was a perfect 2-2 from the line.
Despite the loss, Poeltl shined and had his best game of the season. He put up a season-high 18 points and 13 rebounds, which is a positive sign for the Raptors.
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