McLeod hitting his free throws!!

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Sat Dec 30, 2006 10:08 am

McLeod makes a name from free-throw line

Ike Diogu. Baron Davis. Mike Dunleavy. Monta Ellis. All tried and failed as the designated technical free-throw shooters for Warriors Coach Don Nelson this season.

So, into the breach stepped reserve guard Keith McLeod. Even though he's averaging fewer than 15 minutes per game, he has become Nelson's first choice on technicals by virtue of a nearly spotless record at the line. Entering Friday, McLeod had made 39 of 41 attempts, or 95.1 percent.

``He's nearly automatic,'' assistant coach Keith Smart said. ``When it's something you know you do real well, it doesn't matter if you have game flow or if you haven't played in a while. He's got the confidence.''

The last Warrior to lead the league in free-throw shooting was Mark Price, in 1997 during his only season in Golden State, with a mark of 90.6 percent.

McLeod has a higher percentage than the NBA's official leader, Steve Francis of New York, who is shooting 93.5 percent. But McLeod has not made enough free throws to qualify for the top spot.

``I think it's a matter of focus,'' said McLeod, who would not delve too deeply into the reasons for his success. ``If I think about it too much, then I might start to miss.''

Nelson said in training camp that he and shooting coach Hal Wissel were the only people authorized to give foul-shooting advice, so McLeod has made sure to keep any commentary on teammates' form to himself.

``I try not to get involved in that,'' McLeod said. ``I'm no specialist.''

All evidence to the contrary.

• Forward Troy Murphy (left Achilles) sat out along with guards Anthony Roberson (sprained left big toe) and Monta Ellis (right shoulder contusion) and forward Zarko Cabarkapa (back surgery), but Murphy might be available to play tonight in Sacramento.

-- GEOFF LEPPER, MEDIANEWS

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:09 am

And a GREAT night for Keith last night!

His line in 26 minutes of play: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals! He was 3/3 from beyond the arc.

Good to see him getting his game back after some injuries at the start of the season!

BGGrad01 · Post by **BGGrad01** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 9:48 am

ZiggyZoomba wrote:And a GREAT night for Keith last night!

His line in 26 minutes of play: 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals! He was 3/3 from beyond the arc.

Good to see him getting his game back after some injuries at the start of the season!

Thanks for the update. It is good to see that Keith knocked down a couple 3's after his early season struggles shooting the ball. Hopefully he can keep it up!

Post by **ZiggyZoomba** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 11:29 am

OSUFALCON · Post by **OSUFALCON** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:38 pm

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/9899124

Jason Richardson breaks hand for the Warriors, could mean more minutes for Keith!

Falconfreak90 · Post by **Falconfreak90** » Sun Dec 31, 2006 6:44 pm

Thanks for the update on Keith. Local boy from these parts not but 15 minutes down 77. I wish he could play for a team closer to Ohio but it's great to see him playing in the league. 95% FT shooter. Simply awesome.

GO HOOPS