“Thunder-Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards appears to have had enough of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s perceived foul baiting”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was second within the league to solely Giannis Antetokounmpo in free-throw makes an attempt this season, drawing criticism from some NBA corners that he is a “free-throw merchant.”
Is Anthony Edwards among the many believers? He gave the impression to be fed up with Gilgeous-Alexander on a number of events within the first half of Tuesday’s Recreation 1 of Western Convention finals between his Minnesota Timberwolves and Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder that the Thunder gained, 114-88.
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In a single occasion, Edwards drew a technical foul for tossing the ball within the course of Gilgeous-Alexander’s groin.
In case you are unfamiliar, the “free-throw merchant” insinuation is that Gilgeous-Alexander exaggerates contact to attract fouls and get to the free-throw line. Gilgeous-Alexander spent a major period of time within the first quarter on the line, the place he was granted seven makes an attempt.
Early within the quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander drew a foul on Jaden McDaniels that ended with Gilgeous-Alexander sprawled on the ground beneath the basket. Edwards wasn’t having it.
Edwards ended up with the lifeless ball in his arms after the whistle and tossed it instantly at Gilgeous-Alexander, the place it landed precariously near his crotch.
Here is one other angle from Gilgeous-Alexander’s perspective.
The ball toss by Edwards drew a technical foul. As an alternative of simply two free throws for the private foul, Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded a 3rd because of Edwards’ technical.
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Edwards flirted with drawing one other technical within the second quarter in one other occasion that ended with Gilgeous-Alexander sprawled on the ground. Luckily for Edwards, he drew only a private foul that did not lead to his ejection.
This time, Edwards chased Gilgeous-Alexander from behind, and Gilgeous-Alexander fell to the ground after contact. Edwards didn’t let him up. The preliminary contact did not draw a foul. However Edwards stood over him to forestall him from standing up, and officers had seen sufficient. They whistled Edwards for a private foul.
And this was all within the first of Recreation 1 of a best-of-seven collection.
The NBA playoffs have been exceptionally chippy and bodily this postseason — at the very least by trendy requirements. It seems the the Western Convention finals might be no totally different.
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