Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the free-throw merchant label after beating the Timberwolves in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals. After Gilgeous-Alexander received chants from Timberwolves fans at the Target Center, he addressed the moniker with reporters during his postgame media availability.
“Fans are gonna do whatever they can do to help their team win and knock me off my game, me being the head of the snake of our team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And that’s their job, that’s what creates home-court advantage, that’s what creates a fanbase, that’s what creates energy in the building, and they want the Timberwolves to win. They don’t want the Oklahoma City Thunder to win. So I expect nothing else.
“As far as the label, I don’t care. I never cared. I’ve said this before, I’ve shot more free throws in a season than I did this season. I think because we’re at the top of everyone’s radar, it’s a little bit more noticeable, and now people care about it, but I kind of see it as a compliment,” Gilgeous-Alexander concluded.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander addresses the “Free-Throw Merchant” moniker:
“In terms of the label, I don’t care. Never cared. I’ve shot more free throws than I did this season. Because we’re on the top of people’s radar it’s a little more noticeable… kind of see it as a compliment” pic.twitter.com/0oCnjwcube
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) May 27, 2025
The defending champion Thunder will raise its first championship banner at the Paycom Center on October 21.
