The Memphis Grizzlies set an NBA record for fewest free throw attempts in one game but still shut down the Atlanta Hawks 79-76 on Saturday night.
The Grizzlies attempted only once from the free throw line, the lowest since the shot-clock era which began in 1954-55.
"Wow! Wow! Wow!" power forward Zach Randolph said as quoted by ESPN.com. "That whole game -- wow!"
While the burly forward said he appreciated that the officials let the players play, he added: "But sometimes, if there is a foul, call it."
The Grizzlies' only free throw attempt was made by guard Courtney Lee, who sank it during the third period. Overall, the game only had 22 fouls called, with Memphis accounting for 12 and 10 for Atlanta. The Hawks did make 8 of the 15 free throw attempts awarded to them.
The Grizzlies' stifling defense held the Hawks to just 25 points in the second and third quarters after leading 29-27 at the end of the first quarter.
Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer was amazed with their opponent's defense.
"To hold a team to 79 points is a good thing in this league," Budenholzer said. "Offensively, we have to get to our pace and the way we want to play. It's a credit to Memphis. They want to play a slow-down game."
The previous record of two free throws by a team was shared by two clubs- the Cavaliers against the Warriors on Nov. 26, 1994, and the New Orleans Hornets against the Suns on Nov. 17, 2004.
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