LeBron James Questions Pacers’ Decision – In a dramatic Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Indiana Pacers let a late lead slip away against the Boston Celtics. With just five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, Jaylen Brown sank a game-tying three-pointer, forcing the game into overtime. The Celtics ultimately secured a 133-128 victory in the extra period.
LeBron James expressed his bewilderment on social media, questioning why the Pacers—or any team in a similar situation—did not foul to prevent a game-tying three. The strategy of fouling when leading by three points is designed to prevent the trailing team from tying the game with a three-pointer. Although this might give the opponent two free points, it keeps the lead intact, provided the leading team manages to inbound the ball successfully and make their subsequent free throws.
Critics of this strategy argue that it comes with risks, such as committing a shooting foul that could result in a four-point play or giving the opponent three free throws. Additionally, the team must execute flawless inbounds plays and free throws, which some coaches find riskier than relying on tight defense to force a difficult three-point attempt. Despite these concerns, the Pacers’ failure to foul and their subsequent loss in overtime highlight the potential benefits of the “foul up three” tactic. See other story from New York Post!
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