Jaylen Brown and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are in a bit of a beef, and not just because they're fighting for the MVP award.
When the Boston Celtics lost a close game to the Oklahoma City Thunder two weeks ago, Brown complained about Gilgeous-Alexander's "foul-baiting" afterwards.
"We commend players for playing the game the right way but we give the benefit to those who try to manipulate the game ... I just don't think it’s basketball. All the foul baiting … it’s whatever for me," Brown said at the time.
Brown took 14 free throws during that game, however, so perhaps he shouldn't be complaining. He's attempted 81 foul shots over his last seven games, including 14 more in the Celtics' victory over the Thunder on Wednesday.
Brown even tried SGA's patented foul-baiting move against him, much to his rival's amusement.
SGA on Jaylen Brown’s approach versus Thunder: “He’s done a really good job of getting to the free-throw line, especially against us. I think it’s 14 twice.
So 28 free throws in two games? Pretty good job. The best players in the history of the game go to the free-throw line.… pic.twitter.com/OVlyEfKFsQ
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) March 26, 2026
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander seemed to troll Brown for foul-hunting, explaining that it's what great players do and is simply smart basketball.
"He’s done a really good job of getting to the free-throw line, especially against us. I think it’s 14 twice. So 28 free throws in two games? Pretty good job," said the reigning MVP during his postgame press conference. "The best players in the history of the game go to the free-throw line. It’s part of the game and most efficient way to score points, statistically."
Brown may not like it, but it's hard to argue with SGA, who's averaging over 30 points per game for the fourth straight season. Brown's been living at the charity stripe lately, so perhaps he's learned a valuable lesson: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
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