In a fiery segment on First Take this morning, May 21, 2025, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith tackled the ongoing debate surrounding Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his knack for drawing fouls, confidently declaring that the criticism of SGA’s foul calls is overblown. With his signature passion, Smith argued that Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw attempts are a product of his skill, not referee favoritism, and he’s not buying the narrative that SGA gets too many calls.
Stephen A.’s Take: It’s Skill, Not Bias
Smith didn’t mince words when addressing the backlash against Gilgeous-Alexander, particularly after the Thunder’s dominant Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals, where SGA drew 12 fouls and attempted a career-high 21 free throws. “This man is a magician with the ball in his hands,” Smith proclaimed. “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t flopping or baiting—he’s outsmarting defenders. He’s got that old-school craftiness, like a James Harden or a Chris Paul, and people are mad because he’s too good at it? Give me a break!”
Smith pushed back against claims from Timberwolves players, notably Anthony Edwards, and coach Chris Finch, who expressed frustration over SGA’s ability to draw fouls. Edwards even earned a technical foul in Game 1 for tossing the ball at Gilgeous-Alexander after a call, a moment that sparked heated discussion. Smith dismissed the complaints, saying, “You don’t get to whine because a guy knows how to play the game. Shai’s not out there flailing like a fish out of water. He’s using his body, his footwork, and his IQ to put defenders in bad spots. That’s basketball, not referee bias.”
The Numbers Back It Up
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the free-throw line is a cornerstone of his game. In the 2024-25 regular season, he averaged 8.8 free-throw attempts per game, among the league leaders, and his playoff performance has only amplified his trips to the charity stripe. But Smith argued that the numbers reflect SGA’s aggressive, calculated style. “He’s top-five in drives to the basket, and he’s got one of the best mid-range games in the league,” Smith said. “You don’t get those calls unless you’re attacking. Stop fouling him if you don’t want him at the line!”
Smith also pointed to SGA’s efficiency, noting that he shot 87.4% from the free-throw line during the regular season. “This isn’t some hack-a-Shaq situation,” he quipped. “The man is cashing in because he’s earned it.”
Countering the Critics
The controversy around SGA’s foul-drawing isn’t new. Social media has been ablaze with fans and analysts comparing his style to James Harden’s infamous foul-baiting tactics, with some calling it “annoying” or “bad for the game.” One X post even claimed SGA’s foul calls were “getting to the Harden level,” a sentiment echoed by Timberwolves fans frustrated after Game 1. But Smith was having none of it. “Y’all didn’t complain when Kobe was cooking defenders and getting calls,” he said. “Shai’s doing the same thing—playing smart, not cheap.”
Smith also took a jab at Minnesota’s defensive strategy, suggesting that their physicality plays right into SGA’s hands. “You’ve got Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Anthony Edwards trying to bully him, and he’s out here making them look silly. Adjust your defense, don’t cry to the refs.”
The Bigger Picture
For Smith, the criticism of Gilgeous-Alexander reflects a broader misunderstanding of what makes a superstar. “This is an MVP-caliber player,” he declared, referencing SGA’s strong case for the 2024-25 MVP award. “You don’t become a top-five player by accident. He’s 26, leading a No. 1 seed in the West, and carrying OKC to heights we haven’t seen since KD left. Respect the man’s game.”
As the Thunder prepare for Game 2, Smith’s confident take sets the stage for more debate. Will SGA continue to exploit defenses and rack up free throws, or will opponents find a way to slow him down without fouling? One thing is certain: Stephen A. Smith believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is earning every call he gets, and he’s not afraid to shout it from the rooftops.
