Everyone around the NBA world understands that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shoots a lot of free throws. He often takes advantage of the opportunity and collects plenty of points at the charity stripe. What is often overlooked, however, is that the OKC Thunder happen to be an excellent free-throw shooting team as a whole.
In fact, they currently lead the NBA in free-throw percentage with a stellar 84.9 mark. It's proving to be a secret weapon.
The Los Angeles Clippers' 83.5 free throw percentage is second in the NBA. As a result, OKC holds a comfortable lead in the category.
An in-depth look at the Thunder's free throw production
Gilgeous-Alexander is sometimes criticized for taking too many free throws. Some people around the NBA world believe he consistently attempts to get to the line to pad his point totals.
However, the Thunder are just 22nd in the NBA in free throw attempts per outing. SGA, meanwhile, is averaging the sixth most attempts in the league (9.3), and is still trailing the likes of Luka Doncic, Zion Williamson, Bennedict Mathurin, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Austin Reaves.
As for the Thunder overall, Luguentz Dort leads the way in free throw percentage for players averaging at least one or more attempts per game with a 92.3 clip.
For players averaging at least two free throws per contest, Isaiah Joe's 91.2 mark holds the top spot.
Gilgeous-Alexander trails with an 89.8 free throw percentage.
The Thunder may not shoot as many free throws overall as some other teams, but they get the job done when given the opportunity.
When it comes to players averaging at least one or more free throws attempts per contest, OKC has five players shooting over 80 percent.
In the grand scheme of things, the subject of free throws often gets overlooked. It obviously isn't the most exciting facet of the game to discuss.
Being able to find the bottom of the net late in close games while opponents are intentionally fouling is of the utmost importance. Throughout the contest, finding consistency from the free-throw line is crucial as well.
Good teams are usually quality free throw shooting squads.
In 2024-25, the Thunder led the NBA once again with an 81.9 team free-throw shooting percentage. Oklahoma City, of course, went on to win the NBA Finals.
The 2024 champion Boston Celtics were seventh in free-throw percentage. There is no shortage of other similar examples.
The Thunder are doing plenty of things well. They defend at an elite rate, take care of the ball, and score at a high level.
With all of that being said, Oklahoma City's ability to take care of business at the free-throw line should not be overlooked.