'Free money': Tristan Thompson welcomes intentional fouls

Sometimes the only way to stop the Cleveland Cavaliers' high-flying offense is to spoil the beautiful game and commit intentional fouls.

The Toronto Raptors tried this strategy against unreliable free-throw shooter Tristan Thompson in Monday's 116-105 loss to the Cavaliers. Thompson said after the game he would welcome more of the same.

"Free money," Thompson told Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. "Just have to go up there and knock 'em down. Free money. That's how I view it.

"That's why in practice I try to make sure I get enough just to get the rhythm and the feel because if they do go to that you have to go up there and make them. Don't try to think too much, stick with your rhythm and shoot the ball. Just go up there and shoot your shot."

The Raptors only tried the strategy once in Game 1. Patrick Patterson sent Thompson to the line after the Raptors conceded 85 points through parts of three quarters. Thompson promptly stepped to the line and made both, which put an end to that plan.

Thompson doesn't take it as a slight. It's an understandable tactic given he hit 49.8 percent of his freebies this season.

"I am not surprised, especially in the playoffs," Thompson said. "Teams are going to throw that at you and try to junk up the game a little bit. I just got to get up there and knock them down and keep practicing in practice. Try not to be a liability out there."