Luka Doncic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic (Photo by Imagn Images)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Fires Back at Critics With Blunt Free-Throw Take on Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 12:43 AM ET

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is fighting for the MVP award with Nikola Jokic. But despite his impressive performance, discontent has been growing. With fans labeling him as ‘easy to guard,’ the focus is solely on his overdo with free throws on the court. But according to the 27-year-old, it’s all ‘part of the business.’

For most of the season, the 2025 NBA champion has been criticized for depending on free throws. There have also been rumors about the referees having some questionable calls in favor of the Thunder star. But in his recent interaction with the media, the 2025 NBA Finals MVP shrugged off all the noise. He even gave a Luka Doncic-Nikola Jokic comparison.

“You’ll never hear an OKC fan complain about my free throws. You’ll never hear a Denver fan complain about Jokić’s free throws. You’ll never hear a Lakers fan complain about Luka’s free throws. It’s just part of the business. But I love it, it creates buzz around the game. It creates rivalries,” said Gilgeous-Alexander.

SGA says Luka and Jokic fans don’t complain about free throws when their favorite players get calls

“But you’ll never hear an OKC fan complain about my free throws. You’ll never hear a Denver fan complain about Jokić’s free throws. You’ll never hear a Lakers fan complain about… pic.twitter.com/K9KxbHx2zT
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 20, 2026

Surely, it looks like the star player isn’t bothered by all the criticism. Continuing with his merry run, the 2025 NBA MVP recently equalled LeBron James’ record. Interestingly, the Thunder star might have a solid reason not to worry about the chatter about his free throws. Averaging 9.1 free throws this season, the number is less than what Luka Doncic (10.3) has now.

Furthermore, to make his argument even stronger, Gilgeous-Alexander stated that he had a double-digit free-throw average in 2022-23. Surprisingly, no one batted an eye back then as Oklahoma was the 10th-seeded team.

Meanwhile, as many targeted him, the Oklahoma City Thunder star found an able ally in Reggie Miller.

Reggie Miller Hits Back At Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Free Throw Criticism

During their game against the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown lashed out at the Thunder star for a controversial foul call. Even the likes of New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown criticized the 4-time NBA All-Star, stating that he “does a great job of convincing referees … that he’s getting hit.” Surprisingly, Reggie Miller doesn’t buy into the general consensus.

Speaking on the ‘Dan Patrick Show,’ Miller said, “I don’t get it. I don’t understand what foul-baiting is. We didn’t say this about MJ when he went to the line 10-plus times. James Harden was in that same category, went to the line 10-plus times. Giannis is, I don’t understand this.”