The Big Lead

Wild Shai Gilgeous-Alexander free throw stat in NBA Finals goes viral

According to this key free-throw stat, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting to the foul line a lot is crucial for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

By Divij Kulkarni

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the 2025 NBA Finals.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks on against the Indiana Pacers during the 2025 NBA Finals. / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been the single most productive player in these NBA Finals so far, in terms of stats. He's averaging over 30 points per game, although a significant chunk of that is from free throws.

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost Game 6 against the Indiana Pacers and will now have to deliver in Game 7 at home. Shai had just eight free throws in the loss, which shows an interesting trend for his team in this championship series.

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In Games 1, 3, and 6, Gilgeous-Alexander has been awarded fewer than 10 free throws. Those are the three games that Indiana has won in this series. With a lot of criticism coming his way for selling calls and foul-baiting, this stat has naturally gone viral on social media.

"THIS is the pattern of this series. When OKC has a favorable whistle, they always win. In Game 7, SGA will shoot at least 15 FTs. Guarantee it," one fan wrote.

"Been saying and Thunder fans still won’t admit he’s a free throw merchant," anoter said. "His name is FTA for a reason," a third fan said.

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"You know they bringing in Scott Foster for Game 7," a fourth fan suggested. Another echoed the sentiment, saying," The refs are going to decide Game 7, I already know."

SGA's greatness isn't just limited to free throws; he's been stellar throughout this series. However, it's hard to deny that he does get a better whistle than a fair few other superstars. If he can help deliver the Thunder their first-ever championship, though, this criticism will be forgotten.

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