Wednesday in Cleveland was yet another off-night for Washington Bullets guard Calbert Cheaney, and coach Jim Lynam wanted him to know why. The numbers didn't lie: Cheaney took 22 shots (making seven) and never got to the free-throw line.
"Coach told me that '22 shots is great,' " Cheaney said yesterday after practice at Bowie State University. " 'But if you don't get to the foul line, it just defeats the purpose.' You have to make plays for yourself if your shots aren't falling."
Against the Cavaliers, the Bullets were outscored from the free-throw line 30-14, which is exactly the margin the Bullets lost by.
Getting to the line is all about aggressiveness and technique, and Lynam has been trying to get through to his players via videotape and discussions on how to improve that aspect of the game.
"We have not been doing a good job of getting to the free-throw line," Lynam said. "We have to go to the basket more."
The Bullets have shot 617 free throws this season, fewest in the NBA.
Perhaps Washington's style might fare a bit better in the Western Conference, where finesse is the style preferred. But in the bump-and-grind Eastern Conference, the lack of free throws has a little more impact.
Lynam says he believes his players are looking to simply score when they drive to the basket, instead of looking to create contact. Cleveland was able to block 13 shots on Wednesday with those meek trips into the lane by Washington players.
"Rex Chapman was telling me that when he first came into the league, [former Charlotte Hornets forward] Kelly Tripucka taught him that when you go to the basket the first thing you think about is getting fouled," Lynam said. "That's something that we're going to have to practice at."
Chapman, who's out with a sore groin muscle, had some success getting to the line, attempting 60 free throws in 15 games. As a fill-in for Chapman, Cheaney has played in 10 more games, and shot 12 fewer free throws (48).
"We've been getting to the basket, trying to make our shots," Cheaney said. "[Lynam] wants us to draw the body contact first."
At times it appears the Bullets are drawing that contact -- and not getting the whistles. It could be that officials, because of Washington's struggles the past decade, have not learned to respect the team.
"It might be true, but we have to make respect for ourselves," Cheaney said. "Getting to the line, it's a learning process. I've been struggling. I've been missing mostly mid-range shots. I've got to think about getting points another way."
At least until help arrives.
Chapman and Don MacLean (knee tendinitis) may be back sometime between the first of the year and Jan. 15 if Lynam's lucky. With Chris Webber also out, Lynam has had to look for some scoring from such players as Anthony Tucker, who played 31 minutes against Cleveland. The rookie scored five points.
"Since those guys have been out we're averaging just over 93 points a game," Lynam said. "Even when [Chapman and MacLean] are ready, it'll take time for them.
"We had two straight games where we scored [against the Los Angeles Clippers and Orlando Magic] and then [the season-low 91-75 loss to Cleveland]. It's centered on one thing, scoring."
NOTES: Mitchell Butler jammed a finger on his right hand, but trainer Kevin Johnson said he'll play tonight. . . . Kevin Duckworth was scoreless in 16 minutes against Cleveland, but Lynam said the 7-foot center had a good practice yesterday and will be ready tonight. Duckworth has been bothered by a sore Achilles' tendon.
BULLETS TONIGHT
Opponent: San Antonio Spurs
Site: USAir Arena, Landover
Time: 7:30
TV/Radio: HTS/WTEM (570 AM)
Outlook: The Spurs had won seven straight games before losing last night in Atlanta, with C David Robinson third in the league in scoring (28.0 ppg). San Antonio is hoping for some veteran leadership from G Doc Rivers, who signed with the Spurs earlier this week after being waived by the New York Knicks. Until last night, San Antonio hadn't lost a game since F Dennis Rodman (12.5 rpg) returned from the suspension he received after a game against the Bullets Dec. 12. With Wednesday's loss in Cleveland, the Bullets have lost 10 of their past 11. With their three top scorers out of the lineup, G Calbert Cheaney (13.6 ppg) is the high scorer among active players, but is shooting just 41.7 percent. The Spurs beat the Bullets, 122-101, on Dec. 12 in San Antonio.