OG Anunoby had zero free throw attempts in the New York Knicks' Friday loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Strategic fouling is just much a part basketball as shooting, passing or defending are. A well-placed foul can slow down the pace of play, turn the ball over to another team or earn a player a trip or two to the free throw line for a chance at some easier points.
That's why players will incorporate ways of moving and drawing contact that can help cause fouls, especially when it comes to getting to the free throw line.
However, it seems that not all foul calls are created equal and when it comes to the likelihood of earning a beneficial whistle, fortune favors the small.
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesNew York Knicks small forward OG Anouby was made aware of that during the Knicks' 116-107 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers Friday night that snapped New York's seven-game winning streak. Anouby had a very quiet night overall, scoring just two points in 32 minutes, but notably, he also stayed far away from the charity stripe with zero free throw attempts in the game.
No Calls for Anunoby
Anunoby is in the thick of things as much as any other player so the lack of whistles on his behalf have left New York head coach Mike Brown scratching his head.
New York Knicks forward/guard OG Anunoby (8) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images"I thought he [Anunoby] was aggressive on his drives and he didn't get any calls. It's a weird game and the officials, they've got a tough job, but I don't know if I'll ever understand what's a foul and what's not a foul," Brown said.
Brown continued, "Guys, especially quick guys, they'll put their head down, they'll drive with the ball from point A to point B and if you lead with your chest and they're able to flop, or fall off you good enough, it's a foul. OG is a big, strong guy and when he drives he doesn't do that. He's trying to attack the rim and he's getting re-routed on his drive. He can't seem to get a call."
New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (8) drives past Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) in the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesSize as a Drawback
In this particular instance, Brown asserts that Anunoby is suffering from a bias against his overall build and physicality. Anunoby stands at 6'7 and weighs 240 pounds, certainly an imposing figure, and he may not have the referee's sympathy because of it. Across his entire career, Anunoby averages just 1.9 free throw attempts per game.
"I'm not sure what he could do right now to get a call on his drives... He's getting hit just like everybody else, but he's a little bit bigger than some of those other guards that they're getting their calls," Brown said.