By: Justin Gincauskas

Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 32 free throws in a game against the Indiana Pacers earlier this week, he does not hold the record for most free throw attempts in a game by a single player.  

Most Free Throw Attempts In A Game

There are four players in NBA history with more than 32 free throws in a game. It does not come as a surprise that the names at the top of the list are all centers that made their presence known around the basket.

When a big man has the ball in the paint, making them earn it at the line instead of giving them an easy bucket is often a good strategy. At least that is what happened in these instances to make up the list of the five most free throw attempts by a single player in a game.

5. 1962 Wilt Chamberlain – 34

Wilt Chamberlain shot 34 free throws in a game against the St. Louis Hawks in 1962.

Despite 34 free throws, Chamberlain made just 19 of those attempts. He would finish the game with 61 points and 26 rebounds in a 139-121 victory.

4. 2015 DeAndre Jordan – 34

On November 30, 2015, DeAndre Jordan attempted more free throws than minutes played in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers.

It was the right move for Portland to send him to the free-throw line that day, as Jordan made just 12 of his 34 free throws. He finished the game with 18 points and 24 rebounds in 33 minutes.

3. 2016 Andre Drummond – 36

Andre Drummond also struggled at the line when he attempted 36 free throws against the Houston Rockets in 2016.

Drummond made just 13 of those 36 attempts and finished the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds. The most impressive part of Drummond’s feat was that he accumulated all those free throws in just 23 minutes.

2. 2012 Dwight Howard – 39

Dwight Howard had 39 free throw attempts in a game against the Golden State Warriors on January 12, 2012.

Howard finished with a game-high 45 points, 21 of which came from the line. He also added 23 rebounds in the 117-109 victory.

1. 2013 Dwight Howard – 39

The record for most free throw attempts in a game is held by Dwight Howard, who happened to accomplish the feat twice in his career.

The second time was more impressive than the first, as Howard made 25 of his 39 free throws in a win against the Orlando Magic on March 12, 2013. Howard finished the game with 39 points and 16 rebounds in 38 minutes of action.

***

Looking to write sports articles? Come join us.

Invest in your favorite athletes with Prediction Strike! Use code FANTOM when you sign up!

Watch us on TikTok!