Charlotte Bobcats head coach Steve Clifford has claimed that the differing fortune between the two sides from the free throw line was key in their 86-81 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
The Bulls made 26 of their 31 shots from the free throw line and Clifford believes that Charlotte's own success rate of 50% with their free throws made it impossible for them to come out on top at the United Center.
"We fought hard. Obviously, the difference in the game was the difference in free throws," he told reporters. "You come here and they're a great team, they're well prepared.
"You can't get outscored by 18 at the free-throw line. That's the game in a nutshell."
The Bobcats will look to recover from the defeat when they face the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.