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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responds to "Foul Merchant" label

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Lakers with a 1-0 lead after a 108-90 victory in the opener. Despite holding reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to just 18 points and only three free-throw attempts, the Lakers still lost by 18 points as Oklahoma City continued its dominant postseason run.

Ahead of Thursday’s matchup, attention around Gilgeous-Alexander has again shifted toward the ongoing debate surrounding his ability to draw fouls. In a feature written by Law Murray of The Athletic, the Thunder star addressed criticism tied to the “foul merchant” label that has followed him during his rise into one of the NBA’s elite scorers.

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game this season while attempting 9.0 free throws per game, fourth-most in the NBA behind Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Deni Avdija. The Thunder guard said he has no plans to alter his approach.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Addresses Criticism Over Free Throw Numbers

GettyOklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Gilgeous-Alexander defended his playing style and said drawing fouls remains part of being an elite scorer in today’s NBA.

“Whatever it takes to be the best, is whatever I am trying to go out there and do,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “Free throws is part of the game. And if I get fouled, I get fouled. If I don’t get fouled, try and make the shot. That’s how you play basketball.”

The Thunder star has averaged more than 30 points per game in four consecutive seasons, joining Michael Jordan, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Adrian Dantley as the only players in NBA history to do so.

Lakers coach JJ Redick also defended the role free throws play for elite scorers when discussing Gilgeous-Alexander’s style.

“Drawing fouls is a skill,” Redick said. “I think if you look at the history of the NBA, most elite scorers have gotten to the line. You got to MJ. He shoots 10-plus free throws. Kobe shoots 10-plus free throws.”

Redick added, “That’s how elite scorers can generate more than just 22-24 points. It’s the difference-maker for nearly every 30-point scorer in the history of the NBA.”

Los Angeles guard Austin Reaves echoed similar comments before Game 1.

“I know that’s a tough topic to talk about because everybody blows it out of proportion,” Reaves said. “But at the end of the day, (Gilgeous-Alexander) wants to win. And he’s going to do whatever it takes to win. Shoot 20 free throws, so be it.”

Reaves also said, “I don’t think that there’s any bad intentions in trying to get to the line.”

Oklahoma City Thunder Continue Dominant Run Against Los Angeles Lakers

Ajay Mitchell #25, Isaiah Joe #11 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder

Even with Gilgeous-Alexander posting his lowest-scoring playoff game since the 2025 Western Conference finals, Oklahoma City still controlled Game 1 from start to finish.

The Thunder improved to 5-0 this postseason and have now beaten the Lakers five straight times, dating back to the regular season. Oklahoma City swept the four-game season series and has consistently overwhelmed Los Angeles with its defense and depth.

Game 1 showed that the Thunder can still win comfortably even when Gilgeous-Alexander is limited offensively. Chet Holmgren finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, while Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure forced 18 Lakers turnovers.

According to Law Murray’s report, Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency remained strong despite the lower scoring output. He shot 8-of-15 from the field and continued to dominate in the midrange area, where he ranked among the league’s most efficient scorers this season.

“If he doesn’t get fouled, like the Lakers refused to do in Game 1, he is still capable of lethal offense,” Murray wrote.

Gilgeous-Alexander explained why the midrange shot became such a major part of his offensive game.

“It’s the shot that … less people take,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after Game 1. “When I got to the NBA, it seemed like every defense was like, ‘Give up the midrange.’ So I figured it was the shot I would get the most.”

He added, “I just wanted to be good at it, be able to attack those spots on the court. And turn it into a weapon.”

The Thunder now head into Game 2 looking to take a commanding 2-0 series lead before the matchup shifts to Los Angeles. Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, appears unconcerned by outside criticism surrounding his style of play.

“All of the best scorers get to the free-throw line,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And I happen to be the best. It’s that simple.”