The Numbers Game: Closer look at Calderon's free-throw run

Jose Calderon is streaking toward history. The Raptors' point guard has made 86 consecutive free throws, dating to April 11. He's just 11 shy of tying the all-time NBA record of 97, set by Minnesota's Micheal Williams in 1993.

Streaking to the line

A look at the NBA's record for most consecutive free throws made.

FTs made Player (Team) Dates 97 Micheal Williams (Timberwolves) March 24, 1993 - Nov. 9, 1993 87 Jose Calderon (Raptors) April 11, 2008 - Jan. 30, 2009 81 Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (Nuggets) March 15, 1993 - Nov. 16, 1993 78 Calvin Murphy (Rockets) Dec. 27, 1980 - Feb. 28, 1981

Calderon's streak began when he hit the second of two free throws with 3.5 seconds to go in the first quarter of the Raptors' win over the Nets on April 11, 2008. He made two more in that game and has made his first 83 free throws of this season.

The streak applies only to regular season games, but Calderon also made all five free throws he attempted in the 2008 Playoffs and all five he attempted at the Olympics this summer in Beijing. So if you include those free throws, Calderon's unofficial streak stands at 96.

Calderon will attempt to keep his streak going Wednesday in New Jersey. He averages 2.4 free throws per game this season, and if he continues that pace (and continues not to miss), he'll likely break the record next Tuesday in Cleveland or Wednesday in Toronto against the Lakers.

Here's a look at some of the more interesting numbers in NBA history when it comes to free throws:

The Numbers Game: Free throws made

Stat The Buzz 0.788 Free-throw percentage for Bob Feerick, the league leader in 1947-48, the NBA's second season. More than 80 players are shooting a better percentage this season. 0.904 Career free-throw percentage of Mark Price, the NBA's all-time leader (minimum 1,200 free throws made). Steve Nash (0.900) is the active leader and can pass Price if he makes his next 281 free throws. 0.958 Record for single-season free-throw percentage, held by Calvin Murphy, who went 206-for-215 in 1980-81. A player must make at least 125 free throws to qualify. 9 Most free throws made in game by Calderon during the streak. He went 9-for-9 against the Pistons on Nov. 5. 11 Record for most free throws attempted without a make in a game, held by Shaquille O'Neal, who went 0-for-11 against the Sonics on Dec. 8, 2000. 16 Record for most free throws made in a quarter, held by Vince Carter, who did it against the Heat on Dec. 23, 2005. 23 Record for most free throws attempted without a miss in a game, held by Dominique Wilkins, who went 23-for-23 against the Bulls on Dec. 8, 1992. 28 Most free throws made in a regular season game. Wilt Chamberlain (PHI) shot 28-for-32 from the line on March 2, 1962 (when he scored 100 points on the Knicks) and Adrian Dantley (UTA) shot 28-for-29 from the line against the Rockets on Jan. 4, 1984. Worth noting is that neither feat happened in an NBA arena -- Wilt made his free throws in Hershey, PA and Dantley made his in Las Vegas. 30 Most free throws made in a playoff game. Bob Cousy went 30-for-32 in a quadruple-overtime win over Syracuse on March 21, 1953. 39 Most free throws made in a game by a team without a miss, held by the Utah Jazz, who went 39-for-39 against the Blazers on Dec. 7, 1982. 237 Free throws missed by Dwight Howard (through Tuesday -- including postseason) since Calderon began his streak. 9,423 Free throws missed by the entire NBA (through Tuesday -- including postseason) since Calderon began his streak.

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