Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Responds to ‘Foul Baiting' Criticism After Thunder Win

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the most dominant team in the NBA dating back to last season, largely due to the MVP-caliber play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Gilgeous-Alexander is the current favorite to win his second consecutive MVP, and on Saturday night in Game 1 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns, the Thunder cruised to a 119-84 blowout victory.

However, one aspect of Oklahoma City's success - particularly Gilgeous-Alexander's game - continues to draw criticism: his ability to get to the free-throw line. Many fans have labeled it "foul baiting," accusing him of seeking out contact or exaggerating it to earn trips to the line.

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In Game 1, he finished with 25 points, with 15 coming at the free-throw line on 17 attempts. The next closest player was Devin Booker, who had seven attempts.

Gilgeous-Alexander led the NBA in free-throw attempts this season by a wide margin, and after the game, a reporter asked him about the criticism - prompting a clear response.

"When you drive the ball a lot, you get fouled a lot. Most of the fouls happen on drives," Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. "I drive the ball a lot, so that probably adds up to it."

This season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points per game while attempting around nine free throws per contest, proving his production remains elite regardless of how often he gets to the line. The Thunder have firmly established themselves as one of the biggest threats in the postseason.

They'll return home for Game 2 on Wednesday night, looking to extend their series lead, while Phoenix will aim to steal a game before heading back home.

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 7:01 PM.