Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been creating headaches for opposing defenses all season long. In the opening game of the Western Conference Finals, he showcased his scoring prowess in a commanding 114-88 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Minnesota Timberwolves. But it wasn’t just the points that caught everyone’s eye – it was the manner in which he amassed them.
Early on, viewers witnessed Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls, leading to multiple trips to the free-throw line. ESPN commentator Doris Burke added fuel to the discussion by noting, “There’s a reason NBA Twitter calls him a free-throw merchant.” This commentary ignited a flurry of reactions across social media, reflecting a common sentiment that has circulated throughout the league this season.
The term “free-throw merchant” is used by many fans to highlight Shai’s knack for getting to the charity stripe. While his talent for drawing fouls is evident, it’s also met with criticism from some quarters, with naysayers suggesting he leans too heavily on the officials’ whistles. There are even murmurs about theatrical falls that could be perceived as flops.
However, a deeper dive into the numbers tells a different story. Gilgeous-Alexander, the 26-year-old MVP finalist, averaged an impressive 8.8 free-throw attempts per game during the regular season. In the playoffs, that figure has slightly decreased to 8.7. These numbers are robust, yet they do not place him at the top of the league’s free-throw attempts leaderboard, indicating he’s not merely reliant on getting to the line.
Despite the chatter surrounding him, Shai delivered a stellar performance, finishing the game with a commanding 31 points, alongside 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. He remains a force to be reckoned with, and as the playoffs progress, his ability to impact the game while navigating the narratives around him will be a storyline to watch.
