Mon Nov 18 22:20:00 UTC 2024: ## Pistons’ Tight Games Masked by Officiating Discrepancies: Cade Cunningham’s Free Throw Disadvantage Highlights Issue

**Detroit, MI** – The Detroit Pistons’ recent string of nail-biting games, including back-to-back overtime thrillers, has highlighted a concerning trend: a significant disparity in free throw attempts compared to their opponents. While the team’s competitiveness is commendable, the lack of calls, particularly for star player Cade Cunningham, is raising questions about officiating.

The Pistons’ last five games have been decided by a combined 13 points, showcasing their ability to compete in close contests. However, a recurring theme is their significantly lower free throw attempts compared to opponents. In a recent loss to Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo alone attempted 17 free throws, more than the entire Pistons team combined (13).

This isn’t a new phenomenon. While previously unnoticed due to the team’s less competitive seasons, the issue is now glaring. The Pistons rank 25th in the NBA in free throw attempts per game, averaging just over 20, compared to league leaders Denver (28.3) and the Lakers (27.5). This discrepancy is particularly striking given the Pistons’ offensive approach: they’re 10th in points from 2-pointers and 15th in points in the paint, areas where fouls are frequently called. Their 48.3 points per game in the paint even surpass the Nuggets, who draw considerably more free throws.

The disparity is most evident in Cunningham’s case. Despite averaging over 20 shot attempts per game (7th in the NBA), he ranks 50th in free throw attempts, averaging a mere four per game. This stark contrast is highlighted by comparing his attempts to other high-usage players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Jayson Tatum, who all draw significantly more free throws. Numerous instances of apparent fouls on Cunningham have gone uncalled, leading to frustration among fans and analysts.

While the Pistons acknowledge their own mistakes, including turnovers and missed shots, the consistent free throw discrepancy suggests a systemic issue. While superstar players often benefit from favorable officiating, the Pistons believe the disparity negatively impacts their chances of winning close games. The team hopes for a change in officiating to allow them to compete on a more level playing field.

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