Jazz Guard Keyonte George Finds Success by Abandoning ‘Foul Hunting’
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George is experiencing a significant uptick in his offensive efficiency and foul calls this season by focusing on driving to the basket with intent rather than seeking contact, a strategy encouraged by his team. The change in approach has demonstrably improved his finishing at the rim and earned him increased credibility with NBA officials.
George’s at-rim percentage has risen from 62.7% last season to 75% in the 2025-26 campaign. He attributes this improvement to a shift in mindset.”My finishing is way better than the past two years because now I’m actually looking to go score,” George said. “Last year I was trying to kind of get the bump and fall off my line too much. But like Will always says, the rules are in the offensive players’ favor … and it’s really been helping.”
The change has also resulted in a significant increase in free-throw attempts, averaging 7.8 per game compared to 4.3 last season and 3.0 during his rookie year. George believes officials are more readily recognizing legitimate fouls because he’s no longer attempting to draw contact.
He explained that consistently seeking fouls can erode a player’s credibility with referees. “If the refs watch a player flop or bait for fouls repeatedly,they’re less likely to give them the benefit of the doubt,” George said.Conversely, driving with intent and allowing officials to see genuine fouls fosters trust. ”So, if they don’t call something on a play, I’ve got some credibility,” he said. “If I say, ‘Let me get that one’ and stuff like that, they know I’m not just fishing and they’ll take a closer look next time down.”
While acknowledging that all players occasionally seek a foul, George recognizes the statistical evidence supporting his new approach and intends to maintain it.
