Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

“We Used To Applaud Kobe, Jordan” – NBA Analyst Shuts Down Free Throw Criticism on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Compares MVP With NBA Legends

An NBA analyst compared Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, igniting a fierce online debate

Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The OKC Thunder are headed to their first NBA Finals in over a decade after thoroughly dismantling the Timberwolves. A major driving force? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian has stood for his team when they needed the most.

His dominance in crucial phases of the series denied any comeback for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, the ‘free throw merchant’ label continues to follow him. SGA is one of the few players who draws a lot of fouls and a controversy revolves around that.

SGA in the WCF:

31.4 PPG
5.2 RPG
8.2 APG
1.8 SPG

Western Conference Finals MVP. pic.twitter.com/VPaPprzZ1z
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 29, 2025

Also Read: “They’re Making Edwards a Jump Shooter” – Isiah Thomas Sees Jordan Parallel As OKC’s Defense Breaks Down Anthony Edwards

Often this season, during OKC Thunder’s away games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been subjected to free throw merchant chants. An NBA analyst quickly dismissed that narrative and made a comparison of SGA to the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Paul Pierce.

Kendrick Perkins said, “We used to applaud Kobe, [Michael Jordan], Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce for being able to get to the free throw line. People are trying to create a narrative because you can’t stop him.”

The comments made by Kendrick Perkins have also drawn some negative comments from NBA fans. Many argue the comparison falls flat as SGA has been foul baiting rather than drawing fouls. They believe the same cannot be said for legends like Kobe, Jordan, Garnett and Paul Pierce.

Shai Stars, Timberwolves Fall To Pieces

The Minnesota Timberwolves who were once being regarded as the title favorites have not even managed to get past the Conference Finals. OKC Thunder put up another dominant display taking out the Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as the top scorer once again as he managed to put up 34 points. Chet Holmgren scored 22 points while Jalen Williams scored 19 for the Thunder. For the Timberwolves, Julius Randle scored a team high 24 points.

Anthony Edwards vanished again when it mattered most. His first half performance was even more demoralizing where he scored just 9 points with 3-10 FG. In the second half he managed to add 10 points. OKC sealed the series 4-1 with a dominant 124-94 win on Wednesday.