Despite being the reigning MVP and a defending NBA champion, Oklahoma City Thunder superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to catch flak for his offensive play style. Gilgeous-Alexander’s knack for getting to the free-throw line, at times by exaggerating contact, has garnered him frequent call-outs. The latest instance came when he received an unprompted shot from a former NBA Sixth Man of the Year during a Phoenix Suns-Denver Nuggets broadcast over the weekend.
Gilgeous-Alexander kicked off Year 8 in dominant fashion, recording 90 points over his first two outings. However, 33 of those points came at the line, as he attempted 40 free throws, the most by any player through their first two games in a season in NBA history, seemingly wearing on Suns commentator Eddie Johnson.
Eddie Johnson Reignites Debate After Claiming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Receives Favorable Whistles
Midway through the first quarter of Phoenix’s 133-111 road loss to Denver on Saturday, Suns guard Collin Gillespie drove down the middle of the floor and stopped at the charity stripe. The 6-foot-1Â playmaker attempted to maintain his pivot foot before getting tripped up and tossing up an off-balance scoop shot. Rather than being awarded two free throws, Gillespie was whistled for a travel.
The call prompted Johnson to accuse officials of giving “SGA” different treatment than the rest of the league.
“Something tells me that if that was Shai Gilgeous[-Alexander] that did that move, he’d probably be at the line,” Johnson said.
Phoenix Suns announcer Eddie Johnson 👀
“Something tells me that if that was Shai Gilgeous Alexander that did that move, he’d probably be at the line.”
(h/t @jokicgoatic15)pic.twitter.com/Zdfr0r9vGF
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) October 26, 2025
A day later, the former 17-year NBA veteran’s off-the-cuff remark went viral on X, dividing fans. Some came to Gilgeous-Alexander’s defense, citing his influence on games he’s not even a part of and questioning Johnson’s assessment of the play.
“U know your the best in the world when announcers of different teams are mentioning you even if u aren’t playing in the game,” one fan said.
“Living rent free in everyone’s head lmaoooo,” another quipped.
“He just tripped. Even commentators don’t know ball,” one user asserted.
“Something tells me that Eddie Johnson is a b*tch because that wasn’t a foul,” another commented.
Some concurred with Johnson, though, claiming that the three-time All-Star’s extensive foul-drawing is hindering the NBA’s entertainment value.
“That’s what an unwatchable game does to your reputation,” one fan remarked.
“Shai has ruined everything, I hope he stops playing basketball forever,” another asserted.
Notably, Gilgeous-Alexander only shot four free throws during his third contest of the season, Saturday’s 117-100 road win over the Atlanta Hawks. Even so, with 44 total free-throw attempts, he sits comfortably atop the league, seven ahead of the next-highest player (Austin Reaves).
Between OKC’s strong start (3-0) and Gilgeous-Alexander being in the early stages of his prime at just 27 years old, fans will likely have to come to grips with the shifty, offensive maestro’s tactics.
