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[Saba Sports News] Oklahoma City Thunder fans had plenty to cheer about after Game 1 of the 2025 Western Conference Finals — but neutral viewers weren’t quite as thrilled.
The Thunder steamrolled the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-88 in front of a fired-up crowd at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. After trailing by four at the half, OKC exploded in the second half, outscoring Minnesota 70-40 to turn a tight contest into a rout.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 31 points, showcasing his signature mix of craft and control. But while the MVP frontrunner knocked down several tough shots, many fans took issue with how often he found himself at the free throw line.
Gilgeous-Alexander attempted a game-high 14 free throws, and a handful of the calls that went his way sparked backlash online. Critics argued that several fouls looked soft or exaggerated, with some accusing officials of giving SGA a favorable whistle.
To be fair, Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throw volume isn’t new. He led the NBA in drives per game during the regular season, and his shifty playstyle often puts defenders in tough spots. But his ability to sell contact — whether fair or not — has become a growing point of contention among viewers.
Even broadcaster Doris Burke called him a “free throw merchant” early in the game, a term commonly used (often pejoratively) for players who rack up fouls through crafty or exaggerated means. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards also appeared visibly frustrated with the officiating during the first quarter.
In fairness to the Thunder, even without SGA’s 11 made free throws, they still would have comfortably won Game 1. But for many watching at home, the constant parade to the line put a damper on what could have been a more competitive and entertaining opener.