Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lead Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in key stat that breaks popular narrative

Fans have often slammed Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his playing style, but Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are relying on the same tactics.

One of the most popular criticisms faced by reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is his over-reliance on free throws.

Shai has been labeled a free-throw artist by fans and critics alike, as he gets to the line quite frequently on any given night.

Shai himself has dismissed the free-throw reliance claims, claiming that he just plays his game and it happens to be spotlighted more due to his success.

However, a quick look at the numbers this season shows that Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are even more guilty of relying on trips to the charity stripe for points.

Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves averaging more FTA per game than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

This season, Luka Doncic leads the NBA in free-throw attempts per game with 12.5. Right behind him is Giannis Antetokounmpo with 10.2 and Austin Reaves with 9.8.

What becomes even more interesting is that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the player who faces the most criticism for his foul-drawing, ranks fourth on the list with 9.3, tied with Paolo Banchero.

And when it comes to free throws made per game, it’s more of the same story, as Luka Doncic leads the NBA with 9.9, with Austin Reaves right behind him with 8.4.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is once again behind both players with 8.3, showing that the Lakers’ backcourt is just as, if not more, reliant on free throws, yet they don’t face as much criticism as Shai.

Complaints about free throws overblown in modern NBA

Many fans have been overly critical of players reaching the free-throw line multiple times in a game. If anything, the complaint should be with the officials for how they call the game.

These complaints have always been present, with players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden often facing these criticisms.

Unfortunately for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, these trips to the line have put a damper on his excellent season. Even last night, Shai had yet another 30+ point performance, marking his 15th of the season.

Does SGA have a tendency to lean on simulation and antics to ensure he gets to the free-throw line? Absolutely. But the same goes for many players in the NBA.

For him to be made the singular player responsible for this situation is unfair and does a disservice to the excellent level of play he has shown these last few years.

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