Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the clear frontrunner in this year’s MVP race — and sending Nikola Jokic packing in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals only strengthens his case. But with the accolades also come the criticisms. One narrative that refuses to go away? That Shai is a “free-throw merchant” — a master of foul-baiting rather than pure scoring. And after his latest outing, he might’ve just added a couple more believers to that camp.

Shai scored 31 points tonight as the Oklahoma City Thunder decimated the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game was not close at all, with the Thunder running away with a dominant 114-88 victory. However, the T-Wolves’ head coach, Chris Finch, appears not to be a fan of the SGA’s game. Specifically, his tendency to bait fouls. And it’s not just the Canadian guard, Finch also took exception to the officiating as he took shots at all of them post-game.

A reporter asked the T-Wolves’ head coach about player frustrations on SGA fouls. Finch said his team needs to compartmentalize and simply focus on the next play. “There was a lot of frustration out there. We talked about that before the series started. We have to be able to put that to the side and get on with a next-play mentality,” said the T-Wolves’ head coach. What Chris is getting at here is simple—focus on the game, not the ref’s whistle, because you can’t control the latter. 

This wasn’t the first time Chris Finch called out the officiating. Back in the Western Semis against the Warriors, following a Game 1 loss, he didn’t hold back:

“They do a lot of fouling, shoving, holding, pushing and tackling Rudy,” Finch said. “That’s clear. We sent a bunch of those clips into the league. In fact, I’m not sure I know another player in the league with Rudy’s pedigree that is allowed to be physically beaten the way he is. And so we’ve got to address that one way or another.”

But with the league seemingly brushing aside his concerns, Finch now appears more focused on controlling what he can—his players’ mindset amid the chaos.

However, his players’ frustration is understandable. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander found himself on the right side of several calls from tonight’s officials. He shot 14 free throws tonight, making 11 of them. What’s crazy about this number is that he attempted more free throws than Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle…combined! Yes, the T-Wolves duo had 13 free throws between them and made 10. 

Considering this stat, it’s no wonder that Anthony Edwards seemed so frustrated during the game. And he narrowly avoided a troublesome fate that he’d previously met during the regular season.

Anthony Edwards’ frustrations with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander lead to technical foul in Game 1

Anthony Edwards is no stranger to receiving technical fouls for his outlandish behaviour. And usually it’s his fault. But the tech he received tonight? Well, you could argue that it was petty and unnecessary. However, there’s no denying that Ant-Man had a reason to be frustrated.

Having played the OKC Thunder 4 times in the regular season, Ant is well-versed with SGA’s game. And we mean well-versed in every regard—even the alleged foul baiting. And tonight, one such incident seemed to push Edwards over the edge. 

Just three minutes into the first quarter, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drove hard to the rim with Jaden McDaniels draped over him. As Naz Reid slid over for help defense, the whistle blew—foul on Reid. But what happened next turned heads. Anthony Edwards, clearly frustrated, snagged the rebound and, in a heated moment, tossed the ball at a motionless SGA still lying on the floor. The refs didn’t hesitate—tech on Ant.

Not the smartest idea Ant’s had. Doing it right in front of the ref was equally bone-headed, as he was immediately handed a technical. And Shai? Well, he received an additional free throw for his troubles.

It’s only game 1 in this series, and the sentiment seems firm for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But as long as his team keeps winning, we’re sure this year’s MVP front-runner won’t mind all the noise. Especially as his tactics continue working in his team’s favor! Sadly, this means Chris Finch and his players simply need to learn with it, like he suggested.