Doris Burke Called Out For Offensive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Comment
Doris Burke Called Out For Offensive Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Comment
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has become a focal point of discussion during the 2025 Western Conference finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves. ESPN analyst Doris Burke twice referred to the Thunder star as a “free throw merchant” during national broadcasts, most recently in Game 4 at Target Center.
Doris Burke called SGA a free throw merchant AGAIN 😭 pic.twitter.com/Fa7ebCId6y
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) May 27, 2025
The controversial label emerged after Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul against Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert late in the second quarter. Burke’s comments sparked immediate reactions on social media, with many fans expressing disapproval of her characterization of the Thunder guard’s playing style.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to draw fouls has been a significant part of his offensive arsenal. During the 2024-25 regular season, he ranked second in the NBA with 8.8 free throw attempts per game, and he continues to excel in this area during the playoffs.
In Game 4, the Thunder star demonstrated his complete skillset, finishing with an impressive stat line:
| Stat Category | Total |
|---|---|
| Points | 40 |
| Rebounds | 9 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Free Throws | 12/14 |
Despite the controversy surrounding his foul-drawing tactics, Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance helped the Thunder secure a crucial 128-126 victory, extending their series lead to 3-1 over the Timberwolves.
The “free throw merchant” label has gained traction beyond broadcast commentary. Timberwolves fans even chanted the phrase during Game 3, highlighting how this perception has spread among NBA followers.
Some supporters defended Gilgeous-Alexander on social media, pointing out that many of his drawn fouls, including the one against Gobert, appeared to be legitimate contact rather than exaggerated or manufactured plays. Fellow commentator Richard Jefferson reportedly supported SGA during the broadcast, recognizing the legitimacy of many foul calls.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
