SI:AM | Knicks Coach Criticizes Refs After OKC Loss

Mike Brown said SGA 'does a great job' convincing refs he's been fouled, and also took issue with a big non-call that went against his team.

DAN GARTLAND Good morning, I'm Dan Gartland. Are you going to wake up at 5 a.m. ET tomorrow morning to watch Shohei Ohtani and Samurai Japan in their first game of the World Baseball Classic? In today's SI:AM: 🌎 How Team USA built a WBC power 🤔 What are we trying to save college sports from? 🏈 Remembering Lou Holtz SGA leads Thunder over Knicks Vincent Carchietta/Imagn Images If I asked you to list the defining characteristics of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game, you'd probably start by mentioning how he's an elite scorer who's especially effective from midrange, or how he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. But if you kept naming his most well-known attributes, it wouldn't be long before you mentioned the most divisive aspect of his player profile: He shoots a ton of free throws.  SGA gets to the line more than almost any other player in the NBA. He ranked second in free throw attempts per game last season (behind Giannis Antetokounmpo) and is second again this year (behind Luke Dončić). Remember when Timberwolves fans chanted "free throw merchant" at him during last year's Western Conference finals? It's part of what makes him one of the league's most reliable scorers, but it's also kind of annoying to watch a guy score a quarter of his points from the line.  One reason Gilgeous-Alexander shoots so many free throws is that he takes a bunch of shots in close quarters, where he's likely to be fouled. The other reason is that he's able to persuade the refs that he's been fouled.  The latter point is what Knicks coach Mike Brown took issue with on Wednesday night.  CONTINUE DAN'S COLUMN ON SI Join Verducci's View Newsletter MLB insights and analysis delivered by Tom Verducci, offering a mix of expert commentary, inside angles and thoughtful perspectives on baseball's biggest storylines. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE The best of Sports Illustrated The World Baseball Classic often struggled in its early iterations to draw the best U.S. players. Stephanie Apstein says that's no longer the case. Everyone is rushing to save college sports. Bryan Fischer questions whether anyone knows exactly what they're trying to save. Pat Forde reflects on the life of longtime football coach Lou Holtz, who died at 89. Forde goes inside how a small mid-major men's college basketball team forged a perfect season. The Chiefs need to rebuild their offense, and trading Trent McDuffie was the first step. Now the rest is up to GM Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid, writes Matt Verderame. Gilberto Manzano recommends one free agent to target for each of the 32 NFL teams. From Rico Dowdle to Geno Smith, Manzano also runs down the hits and misses from last offseason's free agency. Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE! Mark Hoffman/Imagn Images 👀 The top five ... … things I saw last night:  5. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's enormous coat that made him look like a teddy bear. (It was way too warm to wear something like that in New York yesterday.) 4. The wild brawl between South Alabama and Coastal Carolina in the Sun Belt women's basketball tournament.  3. A nasty between-the-legs goal in the Minnesota state hockey tournament.  2. Travis Bazzana's home run for Australia to provide an insurance run in a win over Chinese Taipei. Bazzana, who was born and raised in the Sydney suburbs, was selected by the Guardians with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft.  1. The reaction after Isaac Gard, the son of Wisconsin coach Greg Gard, hit a three-pointer on senior night.  The best of SI Video Meet the realest Cowboy in the NFL. Sports Illustrated hung out with Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown at Red Bull Rancher Strong in San Antonio. As a third-generation rancher, Overshown explained why "gym muscle" doesn't always translate to the raw "country strength". Join the SI Boxing Newsletter Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix provides a weekly spotlight, featuring in-depth reporting and sharp commentary, on the biggest fights and stories inside the ring. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE W We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 625 Broadway, 10th floor New York, NY. 10012 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the SI:AM newsletter. You can unsubscribe here  . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2026 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the SI:AM newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.