Alexander Responds to Free Throw Controversy! Fans Booing You Means You've Become Stronger, LeBron James Also Suffered Criticism

On March 21 Beijing time, Alexander clearly stated in a recent interview that he wants to win MVP and also responded to fans' controversy about his free throws.

"Of course I want to win (MVP)," Alexander said, "without a doubt."

US media indicated that after winning the championship, the Thunder are destined to become a target; Alexander, who won MVP last season, is also in the same situation. This season, controversies about Alexander's free throws have emerged repeatedly, with clips of disputed calls spreading wildly on social media. Earlier this month, Knicks coach Mike Brown bluntly stated that Alexander "is very skilled at misleading referees, making them think he was fouled."

Facing criticism, Alexander remains calm. This season he averages 9.1 free throws per game, lower than Luka Doncic's 10.3, and equal to Deni Avdija.He said that only in the 2022-23 season did he average double-digit free throws, "back then nobody said anything because we were only tenth in the West". He pays no attention to online criticism, statistics are the best proof.

"I understand why fans are angry," Alexander said, "because they support other teams, and over the past two years, we beat the teams they like. We win through free throws, mid-range shots, three-pointers, every aspect. So I understand their dissatisfaction. Butyou will never hear Thunder fans complaining about my free throws, never hear Nuggets fans complaining about Jokic, never hear Lakers fans complaining about Doncic. This is part of the game. I actually like it; controversy brings attention, brings rivalries, brings passion, makes the NBA more exciting. Honestly, having people care is a good thing. People watch games, broadcast contracts get bigger, my income also increases. That's how simple it is. I enjoy all of this."

Actually, he was mentally prepared long ago. Chris Paul is one of his启蒙导师. When he first arrived at the Thunder,Paul told him: When you go to away games, and the entire stadium fans start booing you, it means you've truly become stronger."That's absolutely right," Alexander said. Having fans complain, having commentators criticize, in his view, this恰恰证明 he has done well enough.

"Throughout NBA history, every player's career has such a trajectory: first universally loved, then suffering criticism," Alexander said, "LeBron James also suffered criticism, but look at what he brought to this sport? This is part of the game. I enjoy all of this. This is exactly what I dreamed of since childhood."