BOSTON – As a reigning MVP who is often nicknamed the "free-throw merchant," Oklahoma City Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander credits Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown's frequent trips to the charity stripe. Brown led the Celtics to a 119–109 victory against the Thunder, ending the defending champions' 12-game winning streak.
Brown shot 12 of 31 from the free-throw line, making all but two of his 14 attempts. After the game, Gilgeous-Alexander gave Brown his flowers and credited him with giving him a pair of flowers Dominant performance in both the meetings Against the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander said, "They did a really good job of getting to the free-throw line, especially against us. I think it's 14 twice. So, 28 free throws in two games? Great job." "The best players in the history of the game go to the free-throw line. It's part of the game and statistically the most effective way to score points."
SGA on Jaylen Brown's approach vs. the Thunder: “He's done a really good job of getting to the free-throw line, especially against us. I think it's 14 twice.
So 28 free throws in two games? Very good work. The best players in the history of the game go to the free-throw line.… pic.twitter.com/OVlyEfKFsQ
-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 26 March 2026
In a 104–102 loss to the Thunder on March 12, Jaylen Brown went 13 of 14 from the free-throw line, before he and the Celtics avenged that loss in a 10-point win on Thursday. Scoring 12 of his 31 points from the line, Jaylen led Boston to an impressive two-point victory at the TD Garden.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admits Thunder 'failed' against Celtics
Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander saw his team suffer setbacks amid multiple injuries throughout the regular season, he knows what to expect against the Celtics — a stellar effort. Gilgeous-Alexander description A lively playoff-type atmosphere At TD Garden.
Gilgeous-Alexander said, "Every time you play the Boston Celtics, you get that playoff feel. No matter what day it is. No matter who's there. They're very well-coached. They have really good players." “This is one of the premier organizations to play in the league, and they bring it every night. It doesn't matter who is there.
"[They] There is a culture. They check all the boxes, and that's why they've been successful over the years. It's a game where you see where you really are, and they test you. Tonight we were tested; We did not pass it.”
SGA on playing at TD Garden: "Every time you play the Boston Celtics, you get that playoff feeling. It doesn't matter what day it is. It doesn't matter who's there.
They are very well trained. They have really good players… It's a game where you see where you really are and they test you. We got… pic.twitter.com/9BG0gRrqXa
-Joshua Peacock (@Joe_Sway) 26 March 2026
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 33 points, eight assists and two steals in Thursday's loss to the Celtics.
