Oklahoma City Thunder star and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear Monday night that he is unbothered by being labeled a "free-throw merchant."

Timberwolves fans are not happy after Game 4, largely due to a certain “Free-Throw Merchant.” Their beloved team has fallen into a 3-1 deficit, and things are looking bleak.

But while many talking heads are ganging up on the newly announced 2025 NBA MVP, the Canadian got the backing of ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, who argued that Gilgeous-Alexander is merely getting the calls he deserves.

NBA analyst Jay Williams defended recently-crowned league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the latter's free-throw merchant label.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been labeled a "free-throw merchant" and a "foul artist," among other things, but the best way to describe the Thunder star is by three simple letters: MVP.