Doris Burke made headlines during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves by referencing a nickname that NBA Twitter has popularized for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: the “free-throw merchant.” The term is often used in jest to describe players who frequently draw fouls and make regular trips to the line.
During the first quarter of the game, Gilgeous-Alexander had already attempted seven free throws in just over four minutes, prompting veteran broadcaster Mike Breen to remark on the stat.
Burke followed up with the now-viral line, saying, “There’s a reason NBA Twitter likes to call him the ‘free-throw merchant,’ Mike,” drawing laughter and stunned reactions across social media.
"There's a reason NBA Twitter likes to call him the free throw merchant" 👀
Doris Burke on SGA's 7 FTA in 1Q of WCF Game 1 pic.twitter.com/5CUVcXDl1E
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 21, 2025
Although Burke was merely echoing a sentiment from online fans, her decision to say it on a national broadcast was unexpected. It’s rare for commentators to invoke internet lingo, especially when it toes the line between playful banter and criticism.
However, Burke’s tone suggested she was not making a personal judgment but rather acknowledging a broader conversation that surrounds Gilgeous-Alexander’s style of play. Still, it stood out as a moment of candor that resonated with viewers, who were quick to post reactions laced with emojis, memes, and commentary.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become notorious for his ability to draw contact and convert at the line. During the regular season, he ranked second in the league in free-throw attempts per game with 8.8, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid.
In the playoffs, that number has jumped to 9.2 attempts per contest, placing him fourth overall. In Game 1 against the Timberwolves, SGA finished with 14 free-throw attempts and converted 11 of them en route to scoring 31 points, 20 of which came in the second half. His knack for getting to the line not only frustrates opposing teams but also proves to be a highly efficient tool in Oklahoma City’s offensive arsenal.
Minnesota, meanwhile, struggled to adapt to Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach. Head coach Chris Finch admitted postgame that his players were visibly frustrated with the officiating and SGA’s ability to bait fouls.
Finch revealed he had warned his team about this very tactic before the series began and emphasized the importance of maintaining composure. Despite a strong first half from Julius Randle, who scored 20 of his 28 points before halftime, the Timberwolves collapsed in the second half, getting outscored 70-40.
Ultimately, while some might use the “free-throw merchant” label as a knock, the reality is that Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to manufacture points at the line is a strategic strength.
Doris Burke’s comment may have caught viewers off guard, but it highlighted the tension between fans’ perceptions and the fundamental skills that contribute to winning basketball. Whether praised or ridiculed, SGA’s free-throw success is one of the key reasons the Thunder now lead the Western Conference Finals 1-0.
