After being called a “free throw merchant,” Kyrie Irving stepped in to defend Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander keeps the Oklahoma City Thunder within a game of the NBA Finals, Kyrie Irving has stepped up to support the MVP.
An argument that has dogged Gilgeous-Alexander all playoff long—that his points are inflated by free throw attempts—was refuted by Irving in a recent episode of his Spook Signal podcast. “I know a lot of you guys are being humorous about him being a free throw merchant,” Irving stated, as reported by Larry Brown Sports. “No, dude. Shai always does what’s right on the field.
The seasoned defender continued by describing Gilgeous-Alexander as a “master manipulator” and a role model for players to come.
In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Oklahoma City defeated Indiana 120-109, and Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 31 points and 10 assists. Irving made these remarks after the game.

On Thursday in Indianapolis, the Thunder will have an opportunity to secure their first-ever NBA championship, as they already hold a 3-2 series lead.

Throughout the playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander has been a reliable option at the charity stripe.

In Game 5, he shot 13 for 14. In 21 playoff games, he has shot 87.3% from beyond the arc on 9.4 tries per game, and his average point total is 30.

His efficiency and playmaking have stayed outstanding, even though he shoots a lot of free throws.
In the playoffs, he’s scoring 6.5 points per game while also grabbing 5.4 boards and 1.8 steals.

Drawing fouls is a skill, not a defect, Irving stressed. “All the greats have done it,” he stated, expressing his belief that being efficient and engaging in foul manipulation are not incompatible.
The value of Gilgeous-Alexander beyond the line is supported by his regular season statistics.

He averaged 32.7 points per game while shooting 51.9% overall and 37.5% from outside the arc in 76 games played. He has been the engine that drives Oklahoma City’s 68-14 regular season record, as the Cowboys’ offense relies on his tempo-controlling and defensive-scheme-exploiting abilities.