SGA: 'Free-throw merchant' label is a compliment

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is unbothered by being called a "free-throw merchant" by opposing fans and critics.

"In terms of the label, I don't care," Gilgeous-Alexander said after the team's win in Game 4 of the Western Conference finals, according to ESPN. "I never cared … I've shot more free throws in a season than I did this season. I think because we're on top of everybody's radar, it's a little more noticeable, and now people care about it. But I kind of see it as a compliment."

Fans showered Gilgeous-Alexander with the moniker on Monday night, and ESPN analyst Doris Burke even used it on the television broadcast. But it didn't affect his play: Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points and 10 assists to help his team top the Minnesota Timberwolves. He went 12-for-14 from the free-throw line, while no other player shot more than seven attempts from the charity stripe.

"The fans, they're going to do whatever they can do to help their team win and knock me off my game, being the head of the snake of our team," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "That's their job, that's what creates home court advantage, that's what creates a fan base, that's what creates energy in the building. They want the Timberwolves to win, they don't want the Oklahoma City Thunder to win. So I expect nothing else."

The newly crowned regular-season MVP has led the NBA in free throws over the last three campaigns. He made 601 during the 2024-25 season and a career-best 669 in the 2022-23 campaign. Kevin Durant holds the free-throw record for an active player, having knocked down 756 in the 2009-10 season.

The Thunder can reach the Finals with a victory against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.