Trae Young describes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-drawing theatrics
The short version
- Trae Young described the encounter on Michael Porter Jr.'s 'Curious Mike' podcast
- The play occurred early last season in a Hawks-Thunder game, before Young's January trade to Washington
- Young said Gilgeous-Alexander reacted as if hit by an 'Iron Man' hand after light contact on a jumper
- Gilgeous-Alexander is a two-time MVP whose Thunder lost to the Spurs in last season's playoff run
The Wizards guard recounted an 'Iron Man' moment guarding the Thunder star on Michael Porter Jr.'s podcast.
Washington Wizards guard Trae Young shared a story about guarding Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander during an appearance on Michael Porter Jr.'s 'Curious Mike' podcast. The play in question came early last season, when Young was still with the Atlanta Hawks facing the Thunder. He was dealt to Washington in January.
Young described placing a hand on Gilgeous-Alexander's chest as he rose for a jump shot without pushing him. He said the Thunder guard's reaction made it seem far more forceful, comparing it to an 'Iron Man' hand going through his chest.
"The best players in the world shoot the most free throws," Young said, framing the episode as an example of Gilgeous-Alexander's feel for the game rather than pure gamesmanship.
Young himself has built a reputation across eight NBA seasons for baiting defenders into fouls and has been labeled a flopper at times. He led the league in assists in 2024-25 and was an All-NBA Third Team selection in 2021-22.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a two-time MVP, is aiming to return Oklahoma City to the NBA Finals after the team fell short against San Antonio last season. Young missed most of the 2025-26 campaign and is looking to help spark a Wizards turnaround.