Trae Young has a knack for goading defenders into committing fouls and reaching the free-throw line, but even the Washington Wizards star was surprised by an encounter he had with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander early last season.

During a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder — he was traded to Washington in January — Young recalled a play that he feels best illustrates the two-time MVP's instincts and theatrics.

“I put my hand on his chest on the jump shot… I didn't push or nothing, but you would have thought I sent an Iron Man hand through his chest,” the 2021-22 All-NBA Third-Team selection and 2024-25 assists leader told Michael Porter Jr. on the “Curious Mike” podcast. “Like the way he flopped back, and the area I touched him, it was like it knew to move…. It's just understanding the game. The best players in the world shoot the most free throws.”

"I put my hand on his chest on the jump shot… I didn't push or nothing but you would have thought I sent an Iron Man hand through his chest."

Trae Young shares his experience on guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 😅

(via Michael Porter Jr./YouTube) pic.twitter.com/xeZglrS1Zv

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 22, 2026

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Although Young is ostensibly throwing a jab at Gilgeous-Alexander, he may be speaking from a place of admiration. The savvy playmaker himself has drawn the label of “flopper” throughout his eight-year NBA career, so he can probably comprehend why the Thunder cornerstone would feel compelled to exaggerate contact. Many NBA fans take issue with how both men approach the game, but these two point guards are doing just fine.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander aims to lead OKC back to the NBA Finals after falling short versus the San Antonio Spurs last season, and Trae Young hopes to spark a Wizards revival after spending most of the 2025-26 campaign on the shelf. While striving for these respective goals, they will do their best to consistently get to the charity stripe.

Their methods will be closely monitored, even more so following this Iron Man anecdote.