Oklahoma City made a strong statement in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, pulling away from Minnesota in the second half to secure a commanding 26-point victory. Leading the charge was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who tallied an impressive 31 points on 10-of-27 shooting. It’s worth noting that the potential NBA MVP showcased his prowess at the free-throw line, converting 11 of his 14 attempts, with seven of those coming in an explosive first quarter.
As the action unfolded, ESPN/ABC’s Mike Breen took a moment during one of Gilgeous-Alexander’s trips to the charity stripe to highlight this aspect of his game. This created an opportunity for Doris Burke to potentially make history by using the term “free throw merchant” during a nationally televised broadcast.
“There’s a reason NBA Twitter likes to call him the free throw merchant, Mike,” Burke remarked, adding a fun twist to the conversation. It’s a phrase that has been circulating in social media circles, though it should be clarified that Burke wasn’t labeling him directly; rather, she was pointing out the perception that exists among fans.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as a top-tier player, ranking second in the league with an average of 8.8 free throw attempts per game and positioned fourth in that category during the playoffs. His skill at drawing fouls and capitalizing on free-throw opportunities is a significant part of his offensive arsenal. He knows how to create contact and make defenders pay, which is essential in high-stakes games when every point counts.
While the “merchant” label may carry a hint of derision, it’s not necessarily a critique of his on-court value. Instead, it reflects the frustration of some fans who may find the pauses for free throws a bit tedious. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the line is undeniable, and it’s clear that turning those opportunities into points is a crucial element of Oklahoma City’s game plan as they advance in the playoffs. Overall, his proficiency at the stripe not only bolsters his individual statistics but also enhances his team’s chances of success as they chase a championship.
