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Austin Reaves Discusses Free-Throw Criticism of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Austin Reaves Discusses Free-Throw Criticism of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Summary

Austin Reaves, a guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, spoke about criticism aimed at Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for frequently drawing fouls and relying on free throws. Reaves said Gilgeous-Alexander is focused on winning and uses free throws as a strategy, similar to how Reaves himself plays.

Key Facts

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won NBA MVP and Finals MVP honors in the 2024-25 season.
  • Gilgeous-Alexander is known for drawing many fouls and attempts around nine free throws per game.
  • Austin Reaves also gets to the free-throw line often and understands the strategy of using free throws to help win games.
  • In the 2025-26 playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander shot 12.3 free throws per game in a series against the Phoenix Suns.
  • Reaves returned from an oblique injury and took 13 free throws in one playoff game against the Houston Rockets.
  • The upcoming game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder is scheduled for Tuesday at 8:30 p.m.
  • Both players are key contributors to their teams’s playoff efforts this season.
  • Critics say Gilgeous-Alexander overuses fouls, but teammates like Reaves defend his approach as part of winning basketball.
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