Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during an NBA game.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during an NBA game.
A tight game at Madison Square Garden between the New York Knicks and the Oklahoma City Thunder ended with a victory for the visitors.
The reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder took care of business against the Knicks with a 103-100 victory.
Following the game, Knicks head coach Mike Brown credited Gilgeous-Alexander for what he brings to the table as a player.
However, the head coach seemingly took a slight dig at the superstar.
Mike Brown Makes A Common Comment On Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves 143-101 in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 24, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
“SGA is… He’s a tough cover,” Brown told reporters. “He does a great job of convincing the referees, probably better than anybody in the league, that he’s getting hit.”
Brown is far from the first coach or player to comment on Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to get to the charity stripe on a nightly basis.
In a league that has players developing foul-drawing as a specific and necessary skill set for a star player, Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the most talked-about players when it comes to that subject.
Since the veteran guard is a stellar free-throw shooter, it stings more when teams like the Knicks send him to the line frequently.
His numbers at the charity stripe weren’t through the roof during the Wednesday, March 4 matchup in New York City. Gilgeous-Alexander went to the free-throw line for seven shots. He made each one.
To compare, the Knicks saw their star guard, Jalen Brunson, get to the line to attempt six shots. He went 4-6 by the end of the game.
The Thunder landed 26 points out of Gilgeous-Alexander on Wednesday night. He also contributed eight assists and three rebounds.
Brunson, on the other hand, produced 16 points on 5-18 shooting in 39 minutes of action. The battle between the two guards was won in both ways by Gilgeous Alexander.
What’s Next For The Knicks And The Thunder?
Mike Brown
GettyMike Brown of the New York Knicks.
The Thunder leave New York City to head back to Oklahoma on Wednesday night.
They’ll get the next two days off from gameplay before hosting the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, March 7. Heading into that matchup, the Thunder are 49-15 on the year. As they thrive once again, a four-game winning streak has OKC sitting comfortably in the first seed with a 3.5.-game lead. The San Antonio Spurs are the only team close behind them.
As for the Knicks, they collected their 40th win this week. Following Wednesday’s loss, they dropped to 40-23. The Knicks continue to trail the surprising Boston Celtics, who hold a 1.5-game lead with a 41-21 record.
After Wednesday’s loss, the Knicks will now turn their attention to the Denver Nuggets on Friday, March 6.