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Diaranson 3 november 2021

Amid officiating changes, FTs down for some prominent stars

from 3-point range, down
It’s a similar story for some from 47% and 37%.
other perimeter stars. Da-
mian Lillard’s average has “I have noticed that you’re
dipped from 7.2 to 3.9, Brad- allowed to be much more
ley Beal’s from 7.7 to 4.2, physical with the driver or
and Luka Doncic’s from 7.1 finisher at the rim,” Nash
to 4.7. Star big men may not said. “How that will maintain
be exempt: Joel Embiid av- itself throughout the year is
eraged 10.7 free throws last yet to be seen.”
season, and that’s dropped to
8.8. Detroit Pistons coach Dwane
Casey said the dip in 3-point
And then there’s James shooting may be because
Harden, who has turned of an increase in defensive
drawing fouls into an art switching.
form in which the beauty is
very much in the eye of the “That’s taking away some of
beholder. Harden dealt with the easy 3s,” he said.
injury problems last season,
but in 2019-20, he averaged a Casey said there’s a compe-
whopping 11.8 free throw at- tition committee meeting
tempts per game. Tuesday where these issues
can be discussed.
That figure is down to 5.3
(AP) - After a loss at Wash- the league has done in recent Snyder compared the current this season. Harden attempt- “We talk about this idea of
ington last week, Atlanta history,” Kuzma tweeted. points of emphasis to a previ- ed 19 free throws in a win cause and effect, the chang-
Hawks star Trae Young ous crackdown on flopping. over Indiana on Friday night, ing of the rules, and I think
calmly aired some of his It’s not unusual for the NBA The idea is to curtail certain but he has had four or fewer you’ve seen it in some of the
frustrations with the way to tweak the way rules are tricks that seem to have no in every other game. shooting percentages and
NBA games are being of- enforced, and it remains purpose other than drawing attempts and everything,”
ficiated amid a new crack- to be seen how officiating fouls. “I think it’s difficult for the Casey said. “It’s an adjust-
down on non-basketball might evolve throughout players, for the referees, ment for everybody.”
moves used to draw con- the season. So far, some of “Some of the gamesmanship and the coaches,” said Steve
tact. the game’s biggest offensive involved, whether it’s kick- Nash, Harden’s coach with Perhaps that adjustment was
stars are indeed going to the ing a leg into someone, stop- the Brooklyn Nets. “I think best summed up by Milwau-
The 6-foot-1, 164-pound free throw line less often, and ping and going backwards we’re all just trying to get kee Bucks guard George Hill,
Young, who made more there’s some concern that and having someone run into through this period where who is not exactly a big scorer
free throws than anybody the changes may be allowing you, grabbing someone’s arm we become accustomed to and has attempted only eight
in the NBA last season, said more physicality in general, when you’re not in a shoot- where the line is.” free throws all season. He
he agreed with some of the beyond what was intended. ing motion,” Snyder said. doesn’t sound all that confi-
changes, but he was clearly Beyond the impact on a few dent that he can draw cheap
concerned some fouls are “If we’re sacrificing freedom Young said he agreed with high-profile players, some fouls — especially now.
now being overlooked. of movement, that’s not, in targeting certain egregious league-wide stats are also
my understanding, the in- examples, but he said he was showing a decline. The NBA “If I feel like it isn’t just go-
A short while later, Kyle Kuz- tent of what we’re trying to frustrated with the way the average so far this season is ing to be an honest true foul,
ma of the Wizards weighed in do,” Utah Jazz coach Quin game is now being called. 19.9 free throws per game, there’s no point in trying it,”
on Twitter. Snyder said. “I’m cautiously Young averaged 8.7 free per team. That’s down from he said. “Because if they don’t
optimistic that that’ll balance throw attempts a game last 21.8 in 2020-21. Additionally, call it, you look real stupid.”
“The new rules changes to itself out.” season, and that number is the league is shooting 45%
the sport are the best thing down to 5.3 so far in 2021-22. from the field so far and 34%

With pitchers fried, Braves’ Fried tries to win World Series

(AP) — At this point, With five full days of rest, the has a short leash, but then ev- up when there’s such a pre-
they’re all fried. 27-year-old lefty will start erybody out there has a short They’re fighting fatigue — mium on finding the proper
Game 6 on Tuesday night at leash and operating on low and the familiarity hitters edge every inning. Many
Starters, openers, closers and Minute Maid Park as Atlan- rest or not full rest,” Astros now have with their reper- people play a role in factoring
the rest of them. So many ta again tries to win its first manager Dusty Baker said. toires. But that’s how it adds those equations.
pitching changes by the championship since 1995.
Houston Astros and Atlanta The Braves missed a major Not a surprise considering
Braves, it’s sometimes hard chance Sunday night, wast- both teams have employed
to keep track of who’s on the ing an early four-run lead at at least five pitchers in every
mound. home in what became a 9-5 game so far.
loss that cut their lead to
“Everybody that’s in the three games to two. Houston relievers Phil Ma-
World Series right now is ton and Ryne Stanek each
gassed, everybody,” Braves Luis Garcia starts for Hous- have worked four times.
manager Brian Snitker said ton. For how long, we’ll see. Teammates Kendall Grave-
during Monday’s day off. man, Brooks Raley and Yimi
“Both teams, all the players. It’ll be a big ask for the AL García have been summoned
It’s been a long year.” Rookie of the Year candidate three times apiece.
as he’ll start on just three
Fortunately for him, he can days’ rest. Braves relievers Tyler Matzek,
now give the ball to Max Luke Jackson, A.J. Minter
Fried. “We think that he’s the best and Will Smith all have three
for the job. We realize that he appearances already.