Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s knack for getting to the free-throw line has been a hot topic around the league for a few seasons now - and on Thursday night, it drew some pointed commentary from former NBA head coach Stan Van Gundy during the Thunder’s matchup against the Timberwolves.
Now in his eighth NBA season - and seventh with Oklahoma City - Gilgeous-Alexander has transformed into one of the league’s elite. He’s the reigning MVP, and his game continues to evolve with a level of poise and precision that puts him squarely in the conversation as one of the most unguardable players in the league.
One of the most effective - and sometimes controversial - parts of his arsenal? His ability to draw contact and get to the line.
Over the past four seasons, SGA has averaged at least eight free-throw attempts per game, and he’s on pace to hit that mark again this year. But during Thursday’s 123-111 loss to Minnesota, he was limited to just five free-throw attempts - a number that raised eyebrows, especially considering how often he initiates and absorbs contact in the lane.
Van Gundy, calling the game, didn’t hold back his thoughts. According to reporter Brandon Rahbar, the former coach said, *“I’m not sure he’s getting all the calls he should.”
- That’s a notable comment coming from a veteran voice who’s seen just about every offensive trick in the book. And when it comes to SGA, it’s not about flopping or baiting - it’s about his ability to control pace, shift defenders off balance, and draw legitimate fouls through footwork and finesse.
Despite the limited trips to the stripe, Gilgeous-Alexander still put together a strong individual performance: 30 points on 12-of-18 shooting, eight assists, six rebounds, one steal, and a perfect 5-of-5 from the line. He was efficient, composed, and did everything he could to keep OKC within striking distance. But the Thunder dug themselves a hole early, trailing 34-22 after the first quarter, and never quite found the rhythm to mount a full comeback.
Chet Holmgren added 15 points and five boards, continuing to show flashes of his two-way potential. Rookie guard Cason Wallace chipped in 13 points, Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 11 points and five rebounds, and Aaron Wiggins brought some spark off the bench with 10 points and five assists.
Even with the loss, Oklahoma City remains firmly in control of the Western Conference standings at 38-11. They’re still five games ahead of the Spurs and hold a 5.5-game cushion over the defending champion Nuggets. That’s the kind of breathing room that allows for a stumble like this - especially on the road against a tough Minnesota squad.
Next up, the Thunder stay on the road for a marquee matchup against Denver on February 1. Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m.
ET, and it’ll be another test for a young OKC squad that’s shown time and again it belongs in the contender conversation. And as for SGA?
Don’t be surprised if he makes another strong case for more whistles - and more respect - with the ball in his hands.