Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gained a new backer for his growing stardom in these NBA Playoffs. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard Gilgeous-Alexander claimed the 2025 league Most Valuable Player award Wednesday. Which persuaded one former NBA big man to call out the media.

Brendan Haywood of NBA TV reacted to “SGA” winning MVP. But he sent off a fiery message toward critics of the Thunder star.

“Can we stop with the foul merchant narrative? So many different networks were talking about the fouls…when we should be talking about the midrange game,” Haywood pleaded.

“SGA” has his detractors. Some analysts believe he receives the benefit of scoring most of his points from the white stripe. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 89.8% from the free throw line this past season. He's never fallen below 87.4 in the last three seasons. But Haywood believes “SGA” is more than free throws.

“He's just cold, he's that dude, he's SGA,” Haywood said.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pulls rare MVP moment with Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives against Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
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Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander warms up before game one of the western conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center with Nuggets' Nikola Jokic in the background
Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s bold plan after beating Nikola Jokic for MVP
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) and forward Chet Holmgren (7) react after a play in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s flashy MVP gift for teammates

The Thunder have been in existence since 2008-09. Now, OKC has produced three league MVPs.

Gilgeous-Alexander joins Kevin Durant (2014) and Russell Westbrook (2017) as OKC players who won the top individual award. The Thunder dropped a hype video after his award with the caption “Here’s to Shai and the ones who never stop climbing.”

“SGA” also pulled this rare moment as he accepted his nod. He brought his current Thunder teams inside the same room with him to accept the award.

Even the NBA on TNT crew interviewed the 2025 MVP live ahead of the Eastern Conference Finals showdown between the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks. However, the broadcast crew didn't interview “SGA” in a room where he was by himself. Gilgeous-Alexander had his own teammates with him during the interview.

The Thunder star delivered 32.7 points per game to lead the league. He also tallied the most 30+ and 40+ games throughout the season.