Article: Close games turn on free throws

Winning teams shoot free throws well.

Most close games are decided at the foul line. You get fouled at the end, you get a one-and-one, you miss and you lose. I know - all too painfully.

Naturally, I disliked the idea of "fouling for profit" at the end of the game. Every coach looks at the opposing team's poorest foul shooter. He's the guy to foul late in the game.

You hope your point guard will be the best free throw shooter, because he handles the ball the most. If he can't shoot free throws well, the pressure is on you to find ways to get the ball to your best foul shooter.

Not every player can be a great free throw shooter. But there's no excuse for being a poor one.

Indiana's ...

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