The Indiana Pacers were up by three points with just over 10 seconds left in Game 1 of the Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. The Pacers tried to defend the position but Jaylen Brown hit a three to send the game to OT, where Celtics won the game 138-133.
LeBron James used this as an example of why teams should foul up three late in games, as the Pacers could have avoided the Brown shot if they fouled earlier.
“And y’all still wanna know why I would foul up 3 EVERY SINGLE TIME?”
And yall still wanna know why I would foul up 3 EVERY SINGLE TIME?? 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 22, 2024
James definitely felt vindicated watching the Pacers capitulate in OT given they put themselves in that spot by not fouling to eliminate the possibility of a game-tying shot. Even one missed free throw in that position would put the Pacers in a position to make it a two-possession game with a four-point lead.
Jaylen Brown was the hero for Boston after he hit the shot to send the game to OT. He ended the night with 26 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Jayson Tatum showed up for a strong outing as well, putting up 36 points and 12 rebounds.
The Pacers were over-matched but came deliriously close to a Game 1 upset on the road. Tyrese Haliburton put up 25 points and 10 assists, meanwhile, Pascal Siakam overcame a rough scoring night to come alive in the fourth, putting up 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. The Pacers also got crucial production from Myles Turner’s 23 points and 10 rebounds.
What Did LeBron James Say About Fouling While Up Three?
LeBron James broke down the method behind the madness of intentionally sending a team to the line when you need a stop. He said fouling while up three depends on the specific late-game situation you’re in, but he believes the players in the modern NBA are far too talented to bank on someone missing a clutch shot.
“What are all the circumstances that are going on at this point? So you’re up three, is it under 24 seconds left in the game? Do we have a timeout? What are some of the cases?… If you’re gonna foul you have to foul on the downward dribble. It’s hard and sometimes a lot of guys are afraid to do it too. A lot of coaches are afraid to tell their team to foul when they’re up three because either one – they haven’t worked on it – or two – with our rules and things it gets tricky sometimes and you send a guy to the free throw line because you tried to foul him in the case. But I am fouling. I am fouling, I am fouling, I am fouling. Guys are too great, man. Guys are too great.”
.@KingJames and @jj_redick broke down the strategy of fouling up three on Episode 7 👇 pic.twitter.com/8qRIgXz6pQ
— Mind the Game (@mindthegamepod) May 22, 2024
If the Pacers fouled while up three points late in the fourth quarter, they likely would have left with a win in the TD Garden and steal home-court advantage from a team like the Celtics, who are massive favorites to win this series.
It could backfire if the Celtics hit their free throws and then the Pacers miss theirs, so it makes sense why teams trust in their ability to get a stop instead of letting the free throw line decide the game. Tonight, the free throw line could have saved the Pacers in regulation.
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