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Reggie Miller Slams Critics of SGA's Foul Calls
27 May
Summary
- Reggie Miller defended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's free throw attempts.
- Miller noted SGA averages 8.5 free throws per game in the playoffs.
- Miller contrasted SGA's complaints with Luka Doncic's frequent protests.
Throughout the regular season and playoffs, Oklahoma City Thunder star and two-time NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has faced persistent accusations of flopping to secure free throw opportunities. During the regular season, he led the NBA with 540 made free throws out of 641 attempts, trailing only the Los Angeles Lakers' Luka Doncic in total attempts. As the postseason progresses, critics and online memes continue to target Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates over the frequency of foul calls in their favor.
NBA legend Reggie Miller recently defended the Thunder star during an appearance on "The Dan Patrick Show." Responding to host Dan Patrick's comments about fan frustration over foul calls, Miller argued that critics are misdirecting their anger. He emphasized that Gilgeous-Alexander is simply playing the game, and any issues with whistle frequency should be directed at the officials rather than the player.
Miller pointed out that Gilgeous-Alexander was averaging 8.5 free throw attempts through the first four games of the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. He noted that the star's lower free throw numbers in certain games were a result of disciplined defense by San Antonio rather than referee bias. Miller also highlighted that Gilgeous-Alexander rarely complains to officials when a call is missed, noting he had only recorded three technical fouls compared to nine for Doncic. To further context his polished game, Miller compared his calm demeanor to Michael Jordan, who argued far more frequently with referees.
The effectiveness of defensive discipline was evident in Game 4, where the Spurs utilized young defenders Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and Devin Vassell to limit Gilgeous-Alexander to just seven free throw attempts. While drawing contact remains a highly effective basketball skill that Gilgeous-Alexander has mastered, the ultimate responsibility falls on the officials to manage the game and on opposing teams to execute clean defensive strategies.
The Western Conference Finals series returns to Oklahoma City for Game 5, with tip-off scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
