Richard Jefferson not clutch-free throw shooter?

[Next Level Game]

Game after game when it comes down to the free-throw line, I continually see RJ clank free-throw after free-throw. Recent games of memory:

Last night against Denver. Two free throws would've tied the game at 86 per team. Nets down by two, Jefferson makes the first and clanks the second.

Nov 10th against Sixers. RJ could've sealed this game with free throws but instead clanked it.

Triple overtime win against Detroit. Jefferson could've sealed the game at the end of regulation by making his free throws but clanked them.

His rookie year against the Pacers in the 1st round, Game 5. Remember Reggie's 40 foot bank shot to tie the game? It was off a missed free throw that gave Reggie the opportunity for the three.


He's a craeer 75% free throw shooter and shooting a career high 82% this year, but he just keeps missing important free-throws.... He's a hell of a player and I'm glad he's on the Nets, but what's going on here?

 

[Mamba]

Becoming a clutch player isnt easy, some players arent gifted with that. Some people cant handle that pressure, I dont know if RJ is one of those players, only time will tell, give him some more time and I believe he will get better at the line at the end of the game.

 

[Henacy]

Yeah, Its almost to the point I expect RJ to miss at least one of two free throws when he is at the line in the crunch. Last night he did make 3 out of 4, thier have been times in the past where he probably would have went to the line. And missed all three of his free throws.

I remember his Rookie year, in the playoffs against Indy in the 1st round and Boston in the Eastern Conference finals, he missed quite a few big free throws. And that was a small under tone of the Celtics series, about his free throw misses. I think that was the 1st sign that RJ struggles at the line in big situation. I dont know if it has been a carry over from his rookie year, till now. But I think for him to take the next step in his development as a wing player, he will have to be able to step up & know down big free throws continuosly. As RJ's star level continues to rise, he will always get those call in late minutes off games, where he is being aggressive going toward the hoop. So he has to step up & knock those down.

It is sad that on a night, where he really put us on his back in the 2nd half. And try to carry us to a victory, we have to talk about how poor he is at the line in big spots. But it really is a big problem. You can honestly say it cost us 2 victories already this year, the Philly game and last night. And for a team struggling like we are 4-6, is a world away from our current 2-8 mark.

 

[Next Level Game]

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> You can honestly say it cost us 2 victories already this year, the Philly game and last night.</div>

Not neccessarily. The free-throws last night would not have sealed us a victory for the Nets, just tie the game. Who knows, maybe Earl would've made the big basket still and the Nets come back and miss their shot, but nevertheless, the fact remains: RJ needs to make big free throws. He really impressed me in the fourth quarter last night when he went 8-8 and got every key rebound, but it's hard to overlook it. He does so much, but is still far away from being on the level of a Paul Pierce, T-Mac, Kobe, or Iverson. I still have loads of respect, but I hope this is the end of this problem.

 

[Henacy]

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting nextlevelgame:</div><div class="quote_post">Not neccessarily. The free-throws last night would not have sealed us a victory for the Nets, just tie the game. Who knows, maybe Earl would've made the big basket still and the Nets come back and miss their shot, but nevertheless, the fact remains: RJ needs to make big free throws. He really impressed me in the fourth quarter last night when he went 8-8 and got every key rebound, but it's hard to overlook it. He does so much, but is still far away from being on the level of a Paul Pierce, T-Mac, Kobe, or Iverson. I still have loads of respect, but I hope this is the end of this problem.</div>

Your right ,it didnt 100% cost us the game last night for us because it was only for the tie. But it definately put us in a situation where our defense had to get a stop no doubt about it, once ,I at least seen, Earl Boykins make the Basket over Best, I knew it was going to take miracle for us to pull this one out. Where a team with really no legit 3pt options, so we dont have anyone to go to down by three in a late situation. But if we where down by two after Boykins basket then that opens up a legit option for coach Frank to run a play, islolate Jefferson. And let him get to the hoop. So that missed free throw almost completey shut the door at a win for our type of team without a defensive stop.

Anyway, Iam not knocking RJ cause he gives us a ray of hope every night. We just need someone else to go along side him. And play consistently well. Zo has given a great effort but at this point in his career, he should be your 2nd leading scorer.