The Los Angeles Lakers were able to blow out the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in part because they managed to do something to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that no one had done for years.
The Lakers beat the Thunder 126-99 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Sunday, winning all four quarters in impressive fashion. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 26 points in 30 minutes during the defeat, but the headline was how he was forced to score.
Gilgeous-Alexander did not attempt a single free throw during Sunday’s game. The last time that happened was over three years ago — on Dec. 18, 2021.
The Lakers held Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 0 free-throw attempts for just the sixth time since he joined OKC and the first time since Dec. 18, 2021. Tremendous discipline not to reach.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) April 6, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 18 points in that 2021 game, a 104-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. He has played in 248 games since then and attempted at least one free throw in all of them.
After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander downplayed the stat, saying he simply did not get fouled much, and that he did not see it as a factor in the loss.
“I don’t know. I didn’t get fouled,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I don’t think that necessarily needs to change. … I don’t think we lost because I didn’t shoot free throws.”
Some of Gilgeous-Alexander’s critics have accused him of being too reliant on his free throws in order to put up big scoring numbers. That knock has gained steam in recent weeks, particularly among those who feel Nikola Jokic should win MVP. Ironically, this game somewhat undercuts their argument, as Gilgeous-Alexander managed 26 points even without getting to the line.
Not everyone loves Gilgeous-Alexander’s style of play or the way he goes about things. Those people will probably appreciate the Lakers’ defensive effort on Sunday.
