Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Responds to 'Free-Throw Merchant' Label After Game 4 Win vs. Timberwolves

The series will move back to Oklahoma City as the Timberwolves will be in must-win mode with their season on the line.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responds to being labeled as a 'free-throw merchant'

As news broke out with the Thunder's guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander winning the 2025 NBA MVP award, it was a controversial decision as the Denver Nuggets' Nikola Jokic was also in the mix.

Both players put up historic numbers in the 2024-25 season, but Gilgeous-Alexander won the race and was officially named the MVP on May 21.

NBA fans, as well as insiders, have put a label on the Thunder guard's playstyle, calling him a "free-throw merchant" and the MVP finally responded to the comments after their win on Monday night.

"I don’t care. I never cared… I see it as a compliment," he told the press after the Thunder's Game 4 win.

Gilgeous-Alexander won the 2024-25 scoring title, averaging 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game this season.

He also happened to finish with the most free-throws made per game this season with 7.9.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Gilgeous-Alexander finished the regular season with a league-best 68-14 record and had the highest point differential against opponents at +12.9.

Although his play style does work around the midrange – getting close to the basket and drawing fouls when needed, it takes a lot of other factors behind winning the league MVP and making it this far in the playoffs.