Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets free-throw merchant stamp from Doris Burke after Game 1 windfall

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was called a "free-throw merchant" by ESPN analyst Doris Burke after the OKC Thunder star attempted seven free throws less than five minutes into Game 1 of the Western Conference finals onTuesday.

The ESPN broadcast team discussed Gilgeous-Alexander’s early trips to the line. Play-by-play announcer Mike Breen noted that Gilgeous-Alexander had taken seven free throws just four and a half minutes into the game.

This prompted a response from Burke, who is part of the broadcast team alongside Breen and former NBA player Richard Jefferson.

"There’s a reason NBA Twitter likes to call him the 'free throw merchant,' Mike," Burke said.

Gilgeous-Alexander went 5-for-7 from the line during that stretch. However, he attempted just two more free throws in the first half, as he struggled offensively against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He finished the half with 11 points and four assists but shot just 2-for-13 from the field, including 0-for-2 from 3-point range. He went 7-for-9 from the free-throw line as the Thunder trailed 48-44 at halftime.

In the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 8.7 free-throw attempts per game, converting at an 85.4% clip. During the regular season, he averaged 8.8 attempts on 89.8% shooting.

Anthony Edwards' 'better player' claim vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander resurfaces ahead of West finals

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards’ past claim that he is a “better player” than OKC's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander resurfaced on social media ahead of the Western Conference finals.

NBA on ESPN reposted a February 2024 clip from Edwards’ interview with Stephen A. Smith, during which he confidently asserted his place among the league’s young stars. Smith asked Edwards how he stacks up against other emerging talents.

"Me and Shai and Luka (Doncic) for sure," Edwards said. "I feel like I'm a better player, 100%."

In the 2024-25 playoffs, Edwards is averaging 26.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game, shooting 44.5% from the field and 38.5% from 3-point range. Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, is averaging 29.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 6.4 assists on 47.8% shooting, including 29.3% from beyond the arc.

Both young stars are hoping to lead their teams to their first NBA Finals appearance.