There are certain statistics that you just never expect to see in sports. Recently, the Boston Celtics recorded perhaps one of the most unlikely milestones of all time. They etched their names in the annals of NBA history during their clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. Surprisingly, the Celtics achieved the unthinkable! They became the first team to shoot zero free throws in a single game. Adding to the surprise, the Bucks managed a mere two free throws, setting an outstanding record for the fewest combined free throws in an NBA matchup. The anomaly didn’t stop there.

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The Bucks committed just four fouls throughout the game, creating another historic low. “Man, Adam Silver’s the happiest,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, referring to the NBA commissioner. He continued, “One hour 57 minutes game time. My goodness, you can go to a game and still have dinner. Unbelievable. I thought it was a physical game, and then they handed me the stat sheet, and I told them: ‘No, I need the full game.’ I thought it was the halftime stats. I didn’t look at the minutes, and then I said: ‘Wow, two free throws for a basketball game. That’s crazy.’”

The NBA Rule Change

The disbelief was noticeable as the reality sunk in just two free throws for the whole basketball showdown. This surprising event was not lost on the NBA community. This is especially true considering the league’s recent rule change aimed at curbing fouls drawn by “overt, abrupt or abnormal non-basketball moves.”

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Players like James Harden, Trae Young, and Luka Dončić had previously capitalized on such tactics, prompting the league to intervene ahead of the 2021-22 season. The result? It was a game that defied expectations and destroyed records. Prior to this mess, the record low for free throws by a team stood at one, a mark now overshadowed by the Celtics’ zero.  Similarly, the combined total of 11 free throws, previously set by the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic in 2019, according to ESPN, now seemed like a distant memory. Well, this arises from the historic clash between the Celtics and the Bucks.

Bucks Guard Damian Lillard Acknowledged the Game’s New Trend

Bucks guard Damian Lillard reflected many players’ feelings, acknowledging the peculiar shift in the game’s trend. “It was weird, but it seems to be the trend,” he said. The landscape of the game, it appears, is evolving, with fouls becoming less of a focal point. Lillard reflected on moments where he expected fouls that never came and times when he was surprised by the absence of a whistle. This is even when he might bump somebody or get a piece of somebody’s arm. “Man, they’re really just letting us play,” he said.

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Lilard’s recent experiences proved the unpredictability of the game. He said, “And then, like the other night, I fouled out with like two minutes left in the game. I fouled out twice in our last five games or something like that. I hadn’t fouled out in. I don’t know how long before this. You’ve just got to roll with however the game is going. Tonight, I hardly remember any whistles.”

Amidst everything, that recent game seemed almost serene, with Lillard struggling to recall any significant whistle-blowing. However, this is a stark contrast to the norm; who knows if it’s a glimpse into the future of basketball.

Bucks Celebrate Breakthrough Victory Amidst Concerns for Giannis

The Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Boston Celtics was a huge turnaround for a team battling a four-game losing streak and a string of disappointing performances. However, amidst the celebration, a sad note outranked the celebration as star man Giannis Antetokounmpo limped off the court with a calf injury.

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Coach Doc Rivers expressed deep concern over the injury, acknowledging the collective anxiety among fans and teammates. “He’s Giannis,” Rivers remarked, encapsulating the sentiment shared by many. The Bucks now find themselves in an unstable position, balancing the joy of victory with the uncertainty surrounding their star’s health. As they await updates on Antetokounmpo’s condition, the team and its supporters can only hope for the best.