Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has put the basketball world on notice this season, riding a wave of impressive performances that have not only propelled his Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since the 2015-16 season but also earned him his first MVP award in what has been a standout seven-year career. However, amidst the accolades and team success, a persistent narrative has emerged, casting a shadow over his scoring prowess: the critique that Gilgeous-Alexander is merely a “free throw merchant,” focusing on drawing fouls rather than showcasing his natural shooting ability.
The dissection of his playing style has sparked debate even amongst the analysts covering the games. During Game 4 of the Thunder’s series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, ESPN’s Doris Burke added fuel to the fire while discussing a moment in the second quarter where Gilgeous-Alexander was fouled by Rudy Gobert. Her remark, calling him a “free throw merchant,” ignited a backlash on social media, with fans sharing their displeasure at her choice of words.
Commenters on X quickly voiced their opinions, with one user stating, “Another reason why Doris Burke is a terrible announcer,” and another expressing concern over her expected presence during the NBA Finals: “What an embarrassment that she gets to be an analyst for the NBA finals.” The sentiment echoed through various platforms, highlighting a growing frustration among fans about the derogatory labeling of one of the league’s premier scorers.
Yet, it’s crucial to analyze the numbers before jumping to conclusions about his approach. While the perception exists that Gilgeous-Alexander is merely hunting for contact, the data tells a different story. This season, he ranked second in the league for free-throw attempts, averaging 8.8 per game, just behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led with 10.6 per game. In the playoffs, his average remains strong at 9.2 attempts per game, ranking him third overall.
In Game 4, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his offensive capabilities by scoring a game-high 40 points, while drawing 14 free-throw attempts—a testament to his aggressive play style that combines finesse and power. The Thunder emerged victorious in that matchup, taking a commanding 3-1 lead in the series with a tight 128-126 win, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in the playoffs.
Ultimately, as Gilgeous-Alexander continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be an elite scorer in the contemporary NBA, it’s essential to move past simplistic narratives. He isn’t just a player seeking contact on his way to the line; he’s a complete package on the court, capable of making shots from all areas and punishing defenses that underestimate him. The basketball world is taking note—the Thunder are not just making a playoff run; they are crafting a story of determination and skill that could easily rewrite perceptions when all is said and done.
