From being criticized for "foul-baiting" and OKC receiving tons of complaints about officiating, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander isn't bothered by the noise surrounding him.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander doesn't mind the criticisms and rantings of many regarding officiating when facing the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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"I just think it's all distractions away from the court," Gilgeous-Alexander told ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater. "That's how I see it. Whether they're right or wrong, the refs have made a call, and unless you challenge it, they're not going to change it.
"It's just another thing I can't control, so I really don't put any thought into it."
All season, the Thunder have seen many complaining against them, whether for a lack of foul calls or for unfair whistles by the referees.
Recently, many raised their eyebrows when an animated Austin Reaves approached the officials and aired his grievances on behalf of the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 of their West Semifinals round.
The Thunder have completely dominated the Lakers in the second round and are currently on the cusp of sweeping LA approaching Monday's Game 4, holding a commanding 3-0 edge.
One of the key frustrations of many around OKC has been Gilgeous-Alexander's constant ability to draw fouls.
The league's reigning and potential back-to-back MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander ranks third in the NBA this past regular season (9.0) and postseason (9.7) in free-throw attempts.
The Canadian superstar has seen himself being jabbed by many for foul-baiting and flopping, but Gilgeous-Alexander couldn't care less about the negativity around him.
"I really don't care at all," said Gilgeous-Alexander. "The players that I grew up loving and watching when I fell in love with the game, they used their skill and their tactics to get to the free throw line. It's just how the game has been picked up, and I'm not the only one that's ever done it.
"They can pick on me all they want, but I love it. It's amazing."
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