Houston Rockets’ Free-Throw Woes: A Recurring Nightmare
The Houston Rockets find themselves in a familiar yet disheartening situation once again. As they face close games in the crucial fourth quarter, every possession becomes pivotal. However, more often than not, they fall short when it matters most. Several factors have contributed to the Rockets’ recent struggles, ranging from injuries to a more challenging schedule. This downward spiral has seen them drop from a top-two seed to fifth place in the competitive Western Conference.
The Unfortunate Reality of Poor Free-Throw Shooting
While much attention has been given to the Rockets’ struggles from beyond the arc, their free-throw shooting has emerged as a significant issue that deserves more spotlight. In a recent matchup against the Indiana Pacers, the Rockets found themselves in another tight game. Despite momentarily taking the lead, they faltered in the final moments, shooting a dismal 13-of-26 from the free-throw line. This subpar performance, coupled with a 13-point loss, underscores the severity of their free-throw shooting woes.
Currently ranking last in the NBA with a free-throw percentage of 74.3%, the Rockets are treading on familiar and unwelcome territory. The last time they finished at the bottom was during the 2021-22 season, where they managed only a 74% free-throw shooting accuracy. However, the stark contrast lies in the fact that the Rockets were not a competitive team that season, finishing with only 20 wins as they navigated a rebuilding phase post the James Harden trade.
Implications and Challenges Ahead
As the Rockets strive to secure a playoff spot for the first time in four seasons, their poor free-throw shooting becomes even more glaring. Despite ranking in the top five for free-throw attempts, they often walk away from possessions with minimal points, if any. Opposing teams have capitalized on this weakness, resorting to intentional fouls to force the Rockets to earn their points from the charity stripe rather than conceding easy baskets.
Players like Alperen Sengun have felt the brunt of this aggressive defensive strategy, facing constant double teams and deliberate fouls to impede their scoring opportunities. Even sharpshooters like Jalen Green, who initially boasted an impressive free-throw percentage, have encountered struggles in recent games. The Rockets’ inability to convert free throws is not just costing them regular-season victories but also poses a significant threat as they approach the high-stakes playoffs, where every point holds immense value.
Looking Ahead
As the Rockets gear up to face the New Orleans Pelicans, the urgency to address their free-throw woes looms large. With the playoffs on the horizon, rectifying this critical flaw will be pivotal in their quest for postseason success. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Rockets must rise above their free-throw curse to secure their spot among the league’s elite.