The Sacramento Kings have found recent success at the free-throw line

Mar 21, 2024, 1:48 PM

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 18: Keegan Murray #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Golden 1 Center on March 18, 2024 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

(Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

BY BRENDEN NUNES

Sactown Sports writer

On multiple occasions this season, the Sacramento Kings’ struggles from the free-throw line have led to unfortunate losses. Despite still ranking dead-last amongst NBA teams in conversion rate at 74.1 percent, they’ve hit a stride as of late.

The Kings made less than 70 percent of their free throws on 21 occasions throughout the 2023-24 NBA season, but none have taken place in the last nine showings. Sacramento has converted 84.0 percent of their 19.4 attempts per game during that time.

Earlier this season, the team posted a free-throw tracker in their practice facility to keep tabs on everyone’s in-game free-throw shooting and have increased their amount of practice on those looks at various times. Here are the Sacramento Kings’ free-throw attempts and conversions in their last nine games.

at Toronto: 15/18
vs Memphis: 26/32
vs New York: 21/26
vs Los Angeles: 9/12
vs Milwaukee: 13/16
vs Houston: 20/23
vs San Antonio: 17/18
at Los Angeles: 10/12
vs Chicago: 16/18

Their recent improved free-throw shooting factored into their six wins during the nine-game time frame mentioned. Finding ways to get to the foul line and converting when given the opportunity is one of the most efficient scoring methods in the NBA.

The Sacramento Kings are hoping their struggles from earlier in the season will continue to be placed further in the rearview as they aim to continue on their recent upward trajectory from the line.

When is the next Sacramento Kings game?

Sacramento will play the second game of a back-to-back on Thursday afternoon when they face the NBA-worst Washington Wizards (11-58) at Capital One Arena.

On December 18th, three Kings players scored 25+ points during a 143-131 win over Washington at Golden 1 Center, with Domantas Sabonis’ triple-double performance (28 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists) leading the way.

Be sure to tune in right here on Sactown Sports 1140 for all of your Kings vs. Wizards coverage, beginning at 2:30 PM PST on Game Night before a 4:00 PM PST tip-off from Washington D.C.