There is a prevailing sentiment amongst NBA fans that players are getting to the charity stripe more often these days and shooting more free throws in every single game.
However, this is not always the case.
Within the past 20 years, there have been 13 instances of NBA teams attempting three or fewer free throws in a single game.
Moreover, in 2024 alone, there has already been three instances of this occurring, including the only occasion in which an NBA team attempted a total of zero free-throws - the Boston Celtics against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 9, 2024.
For what it is worth, the Bucks failed to hold up their own end of the bargain on the night, attempting just a pair of charity shots of their own.
Since the inaugural year of the league, here is every single instance in which an NBA team has attempted three or fewer free throws in a single game:
Free-throw attempts | Team | Opponent | Date |
0 | Boston Celtics | Milwaukee Bucks | April 9, 2024 |
1 | Atlanta Hawks | Orlando Magic | April 1, 2018 |
Memphis Grizzlies | Atlanta Hawks | February 8, 2014 | |
2 | Milwaukee Bucks | Boston Celtics | April 9, 2024 |
Golden State Warriors | Philadelphia 76ers | January 30, 2016 | |
New Orleans Hornets | Phoenix Suns | November 17, 2004 | |
Cleveland Cavaliers | Golden State Warriors | November 26, 1994 | |
3 | Cleveland Cavaliers | New Orleans Pelicans | March 13, 2024 |
Detroit Pistons | Los Angeles Lakers | October 31, 2017 | |
Indiana Pacers | Charlotte Hornets | March 6, 2017 | |
Phoenix Suns | Orlando Magic | November 24, 2013 | |
Washington Wizards | Memphis Grizzlies | February 1, 2013 | |
New Orleans Hornets | Milwaukee Bucks | November 13, 2004 | |
Milwaukee Bucks | Houston Rockets | February 20, 2002 | |
Toronto Raptors | Charlotte Hornets | January 9, 1996 | |
Los Angeles Lakers | San Diego Clippers | March 28, 1980 |