In a bizarre and unprecedented moment during an NBA matchup, Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) has etched his name into the history books—becoming the first NBA player ever awarded a free throw as a result of a jump ball scenario.
The play occurred during the second quarter of a high-intensity game between the Thunder and their Western Conference rivals. As the referee tossed the ball up for a standard jump ball between SGA and the opposing guard, tensions were high and the stakes even higher. But what followed shocked fans, commentators, and players alike.
Upon the jump, the opposing player made illegal contact—slapping SGA across the arm before the ball was even tipped. Initially appearing as a missed whistle, the officials quickly huddled to review the play and assess the severity of the foul. After a brief video replay, the referees returned with a stunning decision: personal foul on the defender before the ball was legally touched—resulting in a technical free throw.
“That’s the first time I’ve seen it in my entire career,” said one of the game’s analysts during the live broadcast. “A free throw off a jump ball? That’s unheard of.”
The NBA’s official rules do allow for technical fouls to be assessed during jump balls if illegal contact occurs before the tip. However, this type of enforcement is virtually never seen in a live game, making SGA’s case a truly historical first.
SGA, known for his calm demeanor and elite free throw shooting, stepped up to the line and drained the shot—adding one more point to his season average and a unique piece of trivia to his growing legacy.
The moment quickly exploded across social media, with fans posting clips and reactions using hashtags like #JumpBallFreeThrow and #SGAHistory. Some debated the fairness or clarity of the call, while others celebrated the rarity of the event and SGA’s ability to capitalize on it.
NBA officiating crews have since backed the decision, citing the official rulebook and confirming that early illegal contact during a jump ball is treated similarly to other technical violations if it occurs before a player has legally touched the ball.
For Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s been having an MVP-caliber season, the incident only adds to his growing legend. Known for his smooth playmaking and icy composure under pressure, SGA has now done something no other NBA player has before—and he did it at the free throw line.
As the league continues to evolve and players push the boundaries of the game, moments like these remind fans just how unpredictable and exciting basketball can be.
One thing is for sure—Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just made jump ball history
