Celtics Make Rare NBA History by Not Attempting a Single Free Throw vs. Bucks

Tom Dierberger | Apr 9, 2024

Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard. / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics made a bit of unique NBA history Tuesday night in their 104–91 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.

The Celtics did not attempt a single free throw the entire game. All 10 Boston players who stepped on the floor—from star Jayson Tatum in 37 minutes to reserve Svi Mykhailiuk in seven minutes—did not earn a trip to the charity stripe.

Boston goes down as the first team in NBA history to not attempt a free throw in a full game.

"Another day in the NBA," Tatum said after the game when asked about the Celtics' strange feat. "Maybe just gearing up for the playoffs, they let a lot of things go. I guess [they] are just getting us ready for playoff basketball."

Jayson Tatum reacts to the Celtics becoming the first team in NBA history to not shoot a free throw in a game 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/oEsasTf4FU

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 10, 2024

Additionally, the Bucks only shot two free throws—a pair attempted by superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in the first quarter before he exited the game with a calf injury—adding another layer to the odd record-breaking night. The two combined free-throw attempts from Boston and Milwaukee go down as the lowest total in NBA single-game history.

There were 12 total fouls called in the game, eight on the Celtics and four on the Bucks. Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (three) and Bucks forward Khris Middleton (two) were the only two players who were whistled for multiple personal fouls.

Crew chief Marc Davis, referee Bent Taylor and umpire Danielle Scott will go down in history as a record-breaking officiating crew.