Keyonte George is getting more free throws … by stopping looking for them

Author of the winning basket, Jusuf Nurkic was not the only hero at the end of the Jazz match in Boston. In the preceding minutes, Keionte George he was decisive in “munei time” by getting several free throws.

For the Jazz’s young leader/guard, who will also stand out against the Celtics in the “grip” Jaylen Brown in the final momentshis tendency to foul becomes an important factor in his production.

Last season, he averaged just under 17 points on just 39% shooting, with four assists per night at the penalty line. This season, his average increased to 21.5 points per game, with a better percentage of success (42.4%), but above all a higher frequency of free throws: slightly less than 8 per game. Which ranks him 13th in the area in the league.

The explanation for this new relationship? ” He goes to the free throw line more often and calls for fouls much less, simply because he attacks the basket more directly, not trying to cause contact. », details of his trainer Will Hardy.

Don’t change your attack path anymore

This makes it less likely that the 22-year-old will change his route of attack. He is no longer the one who goes towards the defender, to initiate contact, but the other way around.

« In recent years, referees have put a lot of emphasis on the notion of trajectory: if a defender turns you off the path, it’s a foul… It’s interesting for him to see that it pays off, and to realize that if you do it right, you don’t have to chase fouls. », formulates the technician.

No more need to “sell” the whistle, then, for the 16th pick in the 2023 draft, who also gained physical density this summer to better withstand hits. ” Will would sometimes see me moving toward the defender, just trying to get to the free throw line. He just told me: ‘Don’t leave it to the judges’ “, reports the Texas native.

The latter, more broadly, knows the value of going to this repair line. After two first seasons with over 80% shooting success, he hit another milestone this season with… 92% so far (79/86). His change in approach also has beneficial effects on his near-circle finishes. Less focused on getting the whistle, he gained in efficiency near the circle.

« My finishing is much better than the last two years, because now I really want to score. Last year, I mostly tried to cause contact and got out of line of scrimmage too often. But, as Will always says, the rules are on the hitter’s side…and that really helps me », recognizes one who looks very well on his way to establishing his best career standards.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.