People who don't watch Shai Gilgeous-Alexander play sure have a lot of opinions about how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays. Teams can't stop following him, and that somehow turns into a knock on his game, as he's labeled a free-throw merchant. That criticism was extra loud after SGA attempted 40 free throws in the first two games of the season.
But in the four games since, he's shot 14 free throws total. If your first reaction is to think that, well, the free throw merchant could never succeed without getting to the line, I have some bad news for you. He still scored 30-plus on stellar efficiency in three of those games. He remains as dominant as ever, without getting to the line. Imagine that! He's the most skilled guard in basketball! Who ever could have known this?
Every other aspect of Shai's brilliance (which have been there all along of course, don't be propagandized) has been on full display in this mini run, which has also included 7 total turnovers in the four games. He's protecting the ball, scoring the ball, and the Thunder look unbeatable once more. This will never get old for fans in OKC, and I would say "enjoy it while it lasts," but it might last forever.
Shai's hot stretch feels like a subtle diss to his detractors
I won't speculate whether Shai is avoiding the free throw line on purpose in this stretch. It would be hilarious if he were, though, and a great way to shut everyone up. Regardless, he's doing all of his damage elsewhere on the court, and silencing the (silly) critique of his game that he can't thrive without the charity stripe.
Most reigning MVPs don't receive the type of libel that Shai does, and I'll simply never understand the basis of it. Why do people want this guy to fail so badly? What about him brings out the spite in so many "fans?" I put the word fans in quotes because I think actively rooting for a player to fail brings your fan cred into question.
Anyway, I am still not sure why Shai brings out the worst in people. But that crowd seeths even more with every game that Shai puts together a highly efficient and ethical statline. And those don't seem like they're going to stop anytime soon. The winning will continue until folks stop being weird about SGA! And probably beyond that, frankly.