Getting to any high score in the NBA without free throws is almost impossible!

Usually, when NBA stars put on outstanding scoring displays, a significant portion of their points often come from successful free-throw attempts. Nevertheless, there are instances where players get into a scoring rhythm and dominate opposing teams without even stepping to the free-throw line. Let's look into those remarkable occurrences.

Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson, the star shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors, is among a select group of players who have achieved a 44-point game without taking a single free throw. This accomplishment occurred on January 21, 2019, against the LA Lakers, where Thompson displayed exceptional accuracy with a 17-for-20 (85.0%) shooting performance, including an impressive 10-for-11 (90.9%) from beyond the arc. This scorching performance is one of three instances in his career where the four-time NBA champion and five-time All-Star recorded 40-plus points without attempting a free throw.

Wally Szczerbiak

Wally Szczerbiak, a former All-Star wing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, achieved a 44-point game without attempting a free throw on April 13, 2003, versus the Chicago Bulls. The accomplished sharpshooter showcased remarkable efficiency, going 19-for-26 (73.1%) from the field with an impressive 6-for-7 (85.7%) accuracy from beyond the three-point line.

Alex English

Denver Nuggets icon Alex English is the third player to achieve a 44-point game without making any free-throw attempts. The prolific eight-time All-Star accomplished this feat on March 3, 1984, in a game against the Utah Jazz. English displayed remarkable accuracy, going 22-for-32 (68.8%) from the field, and notably did not attempt a single three-pointer during this outstanding performance.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Basketball icon Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a legendary figure for the Milwaukee Bucks, scored an impressive 48 points without taking a free throw on January 25, 1973, in a game against the Houston Rockets. The six-time MVP showcased extraordinary accuracy with a stellar 24-for-32 (75.0%) shooting performance during this superb outing. It's noteworthy that Abdul-Jabbar's dominant display occurred in a period before the NBA introduced the three-point line.

Jamal Murray

Denver Nuggets' standout point guard Jamal Murray stands as the sole player in NBA history to achieve a 50-point game without attempting a free throw. This incredible feat by the NBA champion occurred on February 19, 2021, in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Murray delivered an outstanding performance, shooting an impressive 21-for-25 (84.0%) from the field, which included an 8-for-10 (80.0%) accuracy from beyond the three-point line.

Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns' standout forward Kevin Durant delivered an exceptional performance against the Indiana Pacers, finishing with a game-high 40 points. The former MVP showcased impressive accuracy, shooting 18-for-25 (72.0%) from the field, including 4-for-7 (57.1%) from beyond the 3-point line, all without attempting a free throw. Durant credited his success to the Pacers choosing to defend him one-on-one. Despite his masterful display, Durant's performance doesn't rank among the NBA's all-time highest-scoring games without a free-throw attempt. Eleven other players have surpassed 40 points without taking a single free throw, with six achieving at least 44 points in such performances.

From Klay Thompson's scorching accuracy to Jamal Murray's historic 50-point game and Kevin Durant's standout performance, these players demonstrated the ability to dominate without capitalising on free throws. The diverse range of talents, including sharpshooters like Wally Szczerbiak and legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Alex English, underscores the versatility of achieving high scores without the traditional reliance on free throws. These performances stand as proof of the skill, precision, and scoring versatility that define the NBA's rich legacy. While each player brought their unique style to the court, collectively, they contributed to the league's narrative of extraordinary scoring feats.