Nate McMillan highlighted the difference in free throw attempts after the Indiana Pacers’ 124-115 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 3.
The Pacers, who lost the free-throw battle 52-28, are 3-0 down in the series.
Jimmy Butler had 20 free kicks in the game.
“I can not explain that. I mean, 52 free throws is ridiculous. They had 24 in the half, Butler shot 20 of them … this is the playoffs, and I thought some of those talks were … I can ‘not explain it,’ McMillan said after the game.
Malcolm Brogdon also observed the difference, but added that he did not “know if that’s a mix of refs, that we are not aggressive enough, whatever. “
Erik Spoelstra said his team deserved the free throw due to their aggression.
“In a playoff game, to be able to make 20 free attempts [from Jimmy] – and those were all collisions. It’s not that he flows his way to the line. He puts his body there and makes contact and makes you make the call. “
.
