Photo: Peter Baba

Oklahoma City Thunder executive Sam Presti cited several statistics while defending MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against criticism regarding foul calls.

Presti noted that Gilgeous-Alexander drew 415 fouls during the season. Despite frequent discussion about the number of calls he receives, opposing teams challenged only 11 of those fouls.

Of those 11 challenges, only four resulted in the original call being overturned.

Thunder executive argued that the overwhelming majority of fouls called in Gilgeous-Alexander’s favor were ultimately upheld.

He pointed to the small number of successful challenges as evidence against claims that the star guard regularly benefits from questionable officiating.