In a heated discussion following Oklahoma City Thunder’s 104-97 win over the Golden State Warriors, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr defended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach to free throws and criticized the NBA’s current rules. On Saturday night, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 27 points, with a notable 14-for-15 from the free-throw line, sparking debate over his style of play amid the league’s ongoing scrutiny of players accused of “free-throw hunting.” Kerr argued it’s the NBA’s regulations that require fixing, not Gilgeous-Alexander himself.
How Gilgeous-Alexander Finds Success at the Free-Throw Line
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ranks among the NBA leaders in free-throw attempts per game this season, second only to Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers. Carrying an 89.3% free-throw shooting percentage and averaging 31.7 points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander maintains one of the highest free-throw rates in the league for a high-volume scorer. Kerr praised the Thunder star’s savvy approach to drawing contact within the rules of the game.
He’s incredibly clever. He knows exactly how to draw contact. It’s all within the rules,
Kerr stated during his post-game press conference.
I don’t have a problem with Shai. I have a problem with the rules.
Elaborating on the systemic issue, Kerr explained how the game’s physicality enables players to exploit loopholes in the rulebook.
If you put your arm in, everybody around the league will do what Shai does, what James Harden does. They’ll hook your arm, and it’s all a part of the rules,
he added.
More power to all the individual players, but as a league, we need to adapt and adjust. The players, year after year, just take advantage of the rules, and they’re smart; they know what they’re doing.
Widespread Frustrations from Coaches Over Free-Throw Dynamics
Kerr’s remarks come amid growing frustration from coaches around the league who view Gilgeous-Alexander as a player who exploits foul-calling tendencies. Just days earlier, New York Knicks coach Mike Brown voiced criticism after Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance at Madison Square Garden, saying the guard
does a great job of convincing the referees, probably better than anybody in the league, that he’s getting hit.
Interestingly, Gilgeous-Alexander took only seven free throws in that game, making all of them while putting up 26 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch also expressed irritation following a loss to the Thunder, highlighting the team’s aggressive foul drawing.
It’s so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton. They really do. They foul all the time. And then you can’t really touch Shai,
Finch remarked, underscoring the challenge opposing teams face against Gilgeous-Alexander’s style.
The Historical Context Challenging the ‘Free-Throw Merchant’ Label
Despite the criticism, Gilgeous-Alexander’s free-throw frequency has historical precedents among MVP-caliber players. His attempts are reminiscent of Kobe Bryant’s 2008 MVP campaign, during which Bryant averaged nine free-throw attempts per game. Other MVP winners including Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden all recorded higher free-throw attempts per game than Gilgeous-Alexander.
The NBA tried to address foul-drawing tactics before the 2021-22 season by issuing a directive targeting
overt, abrupt or abnormal non-basketball moves by offensive players with the ball in an effort to draw fouls.
This change sought to reduce clear foul-baiting actions used by players such as Trae Young and Harden. However, Gilgeous-Alexander has adapted by seamlessly incorporating contact drawing into his natural play style instead of relying on artificial maneuvers.
Gilgeous-Alexander and Thunder Stand Firm Against Negative Labels
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has largely dismissed accusations of intentional foul-baiting. After a December loss against Minnesota where the Timberwolves took a season-high 47 free throws, Gilgeous-Alexander responded calmly to criticism.
Yeah, I don’t care. Not one bit. I can’t control how the refs blow the whistle, ever,
he said plainly.
I’ve never been able to…never been a ref.
His father, Vaughn Alexander, voiced a strong defense of his son’s skill in an interview during the previous Finals run, calling it an art form.
Really and truly, let’s be real, it’s a skill, it’s an art,
Vaughn said.
If you guys don’t want us to be a ‘free-throw merchant,’ guess what you do? Just change your rules.
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault supported Gilgeous-Alexander following the game against Golden State.
Shai’s a great closer. They were throwing bodies at him all night, especially early. But he got his cracks, got fouled, and when he got that look late he knocked it down,
Daigneault commented, affirming his star’s clutch performance.
Record-Setting Performances and What Lies Ahead for the Thunder
The win improved Oklahoma City’s record to 50-15, making them the first NBA team to reach 50 wins this season. Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak of scoring 20 or more points to 125 consecutive games. With the Thunder set to face the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, he has the opportunity to tie Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time record of 126 straight games with at least 20 points.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel under the current rules, questions about refining NBA officiating persist. Kerr’s urgent call for rule changes spotlights a growing league-wide debate that may shape how free-throw fouls and contact are regulated in upcoming seasons, potentially impacting offensive strategy and game flow across the NBA.
Steve Kerr on SGA (15 free throws tonight): “He’s incredibly clever. He knows exactly how to draw contact. It’s all within the rules. I don’t have a problem with Shai. I have a problem with the rules.” pic.twitter.com/OFESGg8ENg
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 8, 2026
Steve Kerr on SGA (15 free throws tonight): “He’s incredibly clever. He knows exactly how to draw contact. It’s all within the rules. I don’t have a problem with Shai. I have a problem with the rules.” pic.twitter.com/OFESGg8ENg
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 8, 2026
Mike Brown:
"SGA, he's a tough cover. He does a great job of convincing the referees probably better than anybody in the league that he's getting hit" 😳 pic.twitter.com/8UFgDsxIQx
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) March 5, 2026
Chris Finch on the Thunder:
"It's so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton. They really do. They foul all the time. And then you can't really touch Shai. And it's a very frustrating thing" pic.twitter.com/EWTarUcqAa
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 25, 2025
For the 2021-22 NBA season, there will be an interpretive change in the officiating of overt, abrupt or abnormal non-basketball moves by offensive players with the ball in an effort to draw fouls. The following Points of Education videos showcase areas where a change was needed:
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) September 30, 2021
