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[Saba Sports News] Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is well aware of the criticism surrounding his ability to draw fouls.
During Games 3 and 4 of the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota Timberwolves fans tried to get under the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s skin with repeated “free throw merchant” chants. Even ESPN’s Doris Burke referenced the nickname during Monday’s Game 4 broadcast.
SGA responded by doing what he does best—getting to the line. He shot 14 free throws en route to a 40-point performance, leading the Thunder to a narrow 128-126 win. No other player had more than seven attempts from the stripe.
Asked postgame about the label, the reigning MVP brushed it off, even embracing it.
“In terms of the label, I don’t care,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Never cared. I’ve said this before—I’ve shot more free throws in [past seasons] than I did this season. Because we’re on the top of people’s radar, it’s a little more noticeable… I kind of see it as a compliment.”
In Oklahoma City’s three wins in the series, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 14.3 free throw attempts. In the Thunder’s Game 3 blowout loss, he had just four. His ability to get to the line has clearly been a major factor in the series.
SGA ranked second in the NBA in free throw attempts per game this season (8.8) and first in makes (7.9). Though he’s been criticized for drawing favorable whistles or exaggerating contact, he also led the league in drives per game—by a wide margin.
Back in the 2022-23 season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged a career-high 10.9 free throws per game during his first All-NBA campaign, though the Thunder missed the playoffs. Now, with OKC just a few wins from a potential Finals berth, the spotlight—and the scrutiny—on his game is more intense than ever.
