The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently facing off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
It has been a back-and-forth start to Tuesday’s contest as the Timberwolves were able to jump out to a quick 8-0 lead before the Thunder were able to come back and take the lead themselves.
At the end of the first quarter, Minnesota holds a three-point advantage as they lead Oklahoma City 23-20.
Anthony Edwards has led the way for the Timberwolves with seven points and three rebounds in the first quarter while Julius Randle has six points of his own.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) looks to pass the ball as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) plays defense in the second half at Target Center.
Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Of course, the story thus far from Game 1 was Thunder star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who scored nine points in the first quarter to lead Oklahoma City.
Shai has scored most of his points from the free-throw line as he has shot 5-for7 from the charity stripe while ethe Timberwolves have taken only three free-throws as a team.
With all of Shai’s free throw attempts in the first quarter, ESPN commentator Doris Burke made a loud claim regarding the MVP finalist.
“There’s a reason NBA Twitter calls him a free throw merchant,” Burke said about Shai during the first quarter of Tuesday’s Game 1.
Of course, NBA Twitter has been calling Shai a free throw merchant for most of the season due to his ability to draw fouls, though many believe that he flops too much and Burke’s comments went viral on social media during the game.
Jan 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) prepares to shoot a free throw during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Jan 13, 2024; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) prepares to shoot a free throw during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Despite this, the 26-year-old superstar averaged only 8.8 free-throw attempts per game in the regular season while that number has dropped slightly to 8.7 free-throw attempts in the playoffs thus far.
While that may be the case, fans continue to call out both Shai and the NBA for their inconsistent officiating and Burke has added her name to that list as well during Tuesday’s Game 1.