Why Steve Kerr refuses to blame SGA for Warriors' free throw woes

Steve Kerr got frustrated watching Shai Gilgeous Alexander shoot 15 free throws against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors coach didn't hold back after that March loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

But Kerr made something clear about where he directs his anger. He doesn't blame the Thunder's reigning MVP for getting to the line.

"I don't have a problem with Shai," Kerr said. "I have a problem with the rules."

The coach launched into his ongoing crusade against how offensive players operate. Kerr believes the NBA rewards elite scorers for hooking defenders with arm bars.

Then those same scorers get to shove off when defenders adjust their approach. Kerr finds that this double standard creates an impossible situation for his team's defense.

"It's like there's no way to guard," Kerr grumbled.

Golden State's boss actually respects Mark Daigneault and the Thunder organization tremendously. He called their players high character guys who represent the league well.

His beef sits squarely with how the league office handles contact rules. Kerr watches Oklahoma City's defenders get away with using their hands on plays.

Meanwhile, SGA gets protected when he pushes off against those same defenders. The Warriors coach sees this as a league problem not a team problem.

"But I don't blame them," Kerr said about the Thunder. "I blame the league."

Gilgeous Alexander averaged 9.0 free throw attempts per game this season overall. That number ranks 32nd among guards who averaged 30 points historically.

The Thunder star drives to the basket more than almost anyone. He ranked 3rd in drives per game during the regular season this year.

Kerr joins other coaches who complain about officiating after losing to Oklahoma City. But he chose an indirect route, criticizing the rules rather than the players.

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