I wanted to make a post about this. Kevin Durant is on pace to make some history at the free throw line this year.
With 8 FTA this game (making all
, Durant is now averaging exactly 10
FTA per game, and he's currently shooting 89.3% from the line. Not only
would that be the highest percentage of anyone ever who shot 10FTA/g
(surpassing even Rick Barry) in a season, but KD is within striking
distance of becoming the first NBA player to shoot 90% from the line
while shooting it that much.
Since 1960, the most free throw attempts a player has attempted in a
season while shooting 90% or better is Reggie Miller, who shot 600 FTA
in 1990 at 91.8%. Kevin Durant is on pace to shoot
820free throws this season. If he makes it to 90%, very possible
considering he's red hot right now from the stripe, this would blow
away everyone else historically and would be in contention for one of
the best foul shooting seasons ever.
Even if he doesn't make it to 90%, Kevin Durant may surpass 700 FTM
this year, which would be the first time it's been done since Karl
Malone in 1989. If he keeps his percentage going, Durant would have the
highest FT% ever of anyone who made 700 free throws in a season, again
surpassing Rick Barry.
Of all the things Kevin Durant does well, consistently getting to the
line, and making them, might just be his best quality. He's having one
of the best FT shooting seasons of all time. Having your best player
and scorer with this quality will be huge when he's making playoff
runs..