The Oklahoma City Thunder made history on May 28, dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124–94 in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals. With that win, they punched their ticket to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2012.
The driving force behind their run? NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Thunder’s star guard delivered 34 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a complete performance that earned him Western Conference Finals MVP honors. Now, as Oklahoma City awaits either the Indiana Pacers or the New York Knicks in the championship round, one of Gilgeous-Alexander’s former teammates is giving him his flowers.
Gordon Hayward Breaks Down What Makes SGA Special
In an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, veteran forward Gordon Hayward praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s elite offensive skill set—especially his control, balance, and footwork.
“He’s just so good at controlling his body, going right into you to draw contact, and getting off your body at the right moments,” Hayward said. “He’s just figured that skill out perfectly. But some of his other stuff is his footwork.”
Hayward, a 14-year NBA vet and former All-Star, didn’t stop there.
“The ability to start and stop. I think he’s one of the best in the league at starting and stopping,” he added. “Turning and pivoting on each foot… he can do it on both. He can go left and stop with his right foot. He can go left and stop with his left foot.”
“That’s what’s really impressive. He gets to his spots. He knows how much space he needs, how much he needs to create to get his shot off. Obviously, he’s one of the best in the league like that. In the playoffs, when you need a bucket, when you need someone to hand the ball to, to isolate a side or a matchup… he can do that with the best of them.”
“He’s just so good at controlling his body and going right into you to draw contact and then kind of getting off of your body at the right moments. He’s just figured that skill out perfectly.”
Gordon Hayward on SGA’s game.
(via @SiriusXMNBA)
pic.twitter.com/8m0sIjsgF8— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 30, 2025
Hayward’s comments carry weight. After all, he shared the court with Gilgeous-Alexander for 21 games after Oklahoma City acquired him in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in February 2024. With career averages of 15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, Hayward has played against the NBA’s best and recognizes elite talent when he sees it.
His praise also comes during a time when Gilgeous-Alexander has faced some criticism—not for his production, but for how he gets his points.
SGA Responds to “Free Throw Merchant” Label
Some critics have accused Gilgeous-Alexander of gaming the system. They say he draws fouls too easily by baiting defenders with exaggerated movements. The term “free throw merchant” has been used to discredit his success, suggesting his scoring relies more on officiating than skill.
Gilgeous-Alexander, never one to shy away from honesty, addressed those comments head-on.
“In terms of the label, I don’t care. I never cared,” he said. “I’ve shot more free throws in a season than I did this season. I think because we’re on top of everybody’s radar, it’s a little more noticeable and now people care about it… I kind of see it as a compliment.”
“I don’t care. I never cared. … I kinda see it as a compliment.”
SGA on free throw merchant chants 😅🗣️ pic.twitter.com/F2dwtTxEuv
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 27, 2025
Criticism aside, the numbers don’t lie. Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.8 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.7 rebounds through 16 playoff games this year. He’s been the heartbeat of the Thunder’s 12–4 postseason run.
Now, as Oklahoma City prepares for its first Finals appearance in 13 years, the team knows it will need Gilgeous-Alexander to keep leading the way. They’ll also be counting on rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren to make an impact.
Regardless of who they face next, one thing is clear: Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t just drawing contact—he’s drawing respect.
