Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s unfair playing style controversy has ignited a heated debate among basketball fans and analysts during the 2025 NBA Finals, with critics questioning the legitimacy of his tactics and the role of ESPN’s broadcast team in downplaying them. Mark Titus, a commentator on the Mostly Sports podcast, sharply criticized Gilgeous-Alexander’s approach, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding his style on the court as the series reached a critical stage this June.
Titus did not hold back in expressing his disdain. He described Gilgeous-Alexander as the “worst MVP of my lifetime” and labeled his game “a disgusting watch.” The primary complaint revolves around Gilgeous-Alexander’s repeated use of pushing off defenders to gain separation while shooting, a move Titus claims goes unpunished by referees throughout the series.
Offensive Tactics Under Fire in Decisive Moments of the Finals
One key moment that encapsulated this controversy came late in Game 4. With less than two and a half minutes remaining and the Oklahoma City Thunder trailing by one point, Gilgeous-Alexander isolated against Aaron Nesmith. During the sequence, he executed a step-back shot while extending his right arm to create space, causing Nesmith to stumble before sinking the go-ahead jumper. Though effective, the replay clearly showed the off-arm push, a tactic Gilgeous-Alexander has frequently employed throughout the Finals, sparking frustration from critics and fans alike.
The repeated failure of officials to call these pushes has exacerbated tensions both on and off the court. Such borderline-illegal moves have drawn fault from commentators and viewers who feel the integrity of the game is being compromised, especially in pivotal moments where every possession counts.
ESPN Broadcast Team Faces Criticism for Handling of Gilgeous-Alexander’s Style
Mark Titus also directed considerable criticism toward ESPN’s broadcast crew, particularly analyst Doris Burke, arguing that the commentary crew has glossed over the questionable tactics with euphemistic language. Titus accused them of minimizing the issue by describing the physical contact as “creating separation” rather than calling it what many see as blatant offensive fouls.
“They do their best to carry water for them and they’re like, ‘Wooh, he’s creating separation right there,’” —Mark Titus, Commentator
“Then they slow-mo it and we just see… he put his shoulder down, he pushed off… And they, for some reason, don’t call it.” —Mark Titus, Commentator
Titus argues that this broadcast approach enables Gilgeous-Alexander to get fouled or score uncontested mid-range jumpers, allowing commentators like Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson to praise his ability to
“get to his spot and create separation.”
This, according to Titus, unfairly legitimizes what he considers a “push-off” that should be penalized consistently by referees.
“He either gets fouled and goes to the free throw line or he hits the mid-range jumper that then Doris Burke and Richard Jefferson say, ‘Well, look at how good he is at getting to his spot and creating separation.’” —Mark Titus, Commentator
The conflict over how ESPN’s commentary team frames Gilgeous-Alexander’s gameplay points to a deeper struggle between fans, broadcasters, and officials about the standards of fairness in high-stakes basketball.
Doris Burke’s Future at ESPN Clouded by Broadcast Controversy and NBA Media Shakeup
As the Finals drama unfolds, there is growing uncertainty about Doris Burke’s role in ESPN’s NBA broadcast lineup. Reports from The Athletic reveal that Burke’s position on the lead broadcast team is not guaranteed for the next season, despite her historic role as the first female TV analyst for the NBA Finals.
This uncertainty stems largely from a seismic shift in NBA media rights. The league is finalizing a massive 11-year, $76 billion deal that introduces new major partners, NBC and Amazon Prime Video, into NBA broadcasts. ESPN/ABC, the long-standing dominant broadcaster, now faces fierce competition for viewers in a changing media landscape.
With new broadcasters entering the market, ESPN executives are evaluating the composition of their broadcast teams more critically. They face mounting pressure to assemble lineups that appeal broadly while maintaining credibility and chemistry on air. This environment challenges established figures like Burke to prove their value beyond expertise, as ratings and viewer sentiment play an increasingly pivotal role.
Industry insiders note that NBC is attempting to recruit high-profile analysts such as Charles Barkley, with NBCUniversal chairman Mark Lazarus commenting:
“If Charles were available, we’d certainly love to have that conversation with him.” —Mark Lazarus, NBCUniversal Chairman
Amazon’s significant resources also give it the flexibility to build novel broadcast teams from the ground up, intensifying competition. This media landscape shift places greater strain on ESPN’s current team, including Burke, Richard Jefferson, and Mike Breen, whose booth has faced mixed reactions from fans this postseason.
Increased Scrutiny Reflects Changing Pressures on NBA Broadcasts
The backlash surrounding Gilgeous-Alexander’s playing style and the ESPN broadcast crew highlights a broader tension in sports media, where analytical rigor and entertainment value must coexist. As fans become more vocal and platforms diversify, commentators face heightened pressure to balance impartial analysis with audience expectations.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, the scrutiny could influence how referees officiate his tactics moving forward, potentially altering his impact in crucial games. Meanwhile, the future of commentators like Doris Burke may hinge on their perceived ability to navigate this complex, competitive environment while maintaining journalistic integrity.
With the NBA’s media ecosystem entering a new era, the controversy over SGA’s playing style and broadcast coverage exemplifies the challenges faced by players, officials, and media alike as they adapt to intensified scrutiny and evolving standards on and off the court.