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[Saba Sports News] Anthony Edwards didn’t bother hiding his frustration with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during the opening minutes of Game 1 in the Western Conference Finals.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star came into the series averaging 8.7 free throw attempts per game in the 2025 playoffs and wasted no time putting pressure on the Timberwolves’ defense.
In just the first four minutes, Gilgeous-Alexander had already earned four free throws, drawing loud cheers from the home crowd at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
After being whistled for a shooting foul on SGA at the 8:07 mark, Edwards visibly lost his cool. As Gilgeous-Alexander lay on the baseline, Edwards tossed the ball at him — an act that startled the Thunder guard and quickly earned Edwards a technical foul. Gilgeous-Alexander proceeded to sink all three free throws, cutting Minnesota’s lead to 10-6.
This isn’t the first time Edwards has expressed irritation over Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls. Back in January, Edwards openly criticized the officiating after a loss to OKC, singling out how easily SGA seemed to get to the line.
Both Edwards and Gilgeous-Alexander are rising stars poised to be perennial contenders, and Tuesday’s chippy exchange may be just the first spark in what could become a fierce playoff rivalry.