Judge for yourself if Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deserved 26 free throws against the Pacers

Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history made 26 free throws en route to a game-high 55 points in Thursday’s thrilling 141-135 double-overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers. With 40 total free throw attempts in two games, Gilgeous-Alexander set a new record for most free throws made in the first two games of the regular season.

He was tied for first with Hall of Famers Bob Lanier and Wilt Chamberlain, who made 38 free throws during the same span. For an All-Star who earned the label “free throw merchant” last season, Gilgeous-Alexander caught fire on social media as fans accused the reigning MVP of cheating in the Thunder’s NBA Finals rematch against the Pacers. Now it’s time to decide whether Gilgeous-Alexander deserved 26 free throw attempts in Thursday’s doubleheader.

Watch all of Gilgeous-Alexander trips to the free throw line against the Pacers on Thursday, according to MrBuckBuck Clips’ YouTube channel.

While there are a few questionable fouls against Gilgeous-Alexander, most of them came in the first half. The critical fouls down the stretch in both overtimes were legitimate, as Shai’s fake moves and spin moves allowed him to absorb contact and draw consecutive trips to the free throw line, as SGA finished the night 23-of-26 from the charity stripe.

He also went 15-of-31 from the floor, including 2-of-7 from deep, and added eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block as the reigning league MVP got off to a blistering offensive start amid back-to-back wins in two straight games. With a 35-point performance in Tuesday’s 125-124 win over the Houston Rockets in the season opener, Gilgeous-Alexander is now averaging 45.0 points on 47.4% shooting, 6.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.22 blocks in the first game of a 1-65 campaign.

Mark Daigneault praises Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Head coach Mark Daigneault splashed over the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after Thursday’s win, but it wasn’t over the record 55 points or 26 free throws that led to a new NBA record. Instead, Daigenault picked off two Gilgeous-Alexander turnovers in 45 minutes, an impressive feat for a player who is not only the centerpiece of the Thunder’s offense but also a facilitator.

Daigneault reminded everyone Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency, which can be easily overlooked amid a 55-point performance, Daigneault said, per Thunder reporter Nick Gallo.

“One of the most effective things about Shai is not just his scoring efficiency, but he doesn’t turn the ball over much. He’s a great ball control player,” Daigneault said.

The Thunder continue their three-game road trip against the Hawks on Saturday.