Why Boban Marjanović Deliberately Missed Free Throws for Fan Perks?

In an unexpected moment during a Dallas Mavericks game, center Boban Marjanović deliberately missed two free throws near the end of the fourth quarter. While missing free throws seems counterintuitive for a professional player, Marjanović had a unique motive—to trigger a fan promotion.

The Mavericks had a promotion where if the opposing team missed two late free throws, all fans in attendance would receive a free chicken sandwich. With the game close and the crowd buzzing in anticipation, Marjanović stepped to the line and uncharacteristically airballed two shots. The misses set off cheers for the free food and the fan-friendly actions of Marjanović.

Player Engagement Over Statistics

This type of event shows a trend where players acknowledge the entertainment aspect of sports over their personal stats. Marjanović’s misses spoke to an unspoken agreement between players and fans—we’re here to uplift one another. While some critiqued it as unprofessional, most fans appreciated the act and left happier with their player bond strengthened.

The Entertainer Aspect

Players like Marjanović balance roles as both athletes and entertainers, meeting fan expectations for engagement. With fan experience more important than ever, personable gestures like Marjanović’s misses make players more beloved, showing sports stars as more than just competitors.

In the end, his light-hearted move underscored that sometimes the spirit of sports is about more than scoring—it’s about creating joy for the loyal fans.

FAQs

Why did he miss the free throws?
To trigger a promotion to give fans free food, emphasizing fan experience.

Have other NBA players done this?
Yes, some have, but it’s rare and draws mixed reactions regarding sportsmanship.

What was the team’s response?
The atmosphere was positive, focusing on fan enjoyment rather than statistics.

So in this entertaining yet controversial act, Marjanović showed that the heart of the game is sometimes more than scoring—it’s about making memories.