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NBA fans accuse Thunder star of repeatedly flopping vs. Lakers in Game 1
TL;DR
Fans criticized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for flopping during Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers, despite the Thunder's 18-point victory. He scored under 20 points for the first time this season, focusing more on assists.
Key points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faced criticism for flopping
- He scored under 20 points for the first time this season
- Oklahoma City Thunder won by 18 points against the Lakers
- Chet Holmgren led the team with 24 points
- Fans expressed their frustration on social media
Oklahoma City ThunderLos Angeles LakersShai Gilgeous-AlexanderChet Holmgren
During the first game of the Western Conference semifinals, some fans were upset at how Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played.
Despite the 18-point victory by the Thunder against the Lakers, the 2025 NBA Finals MVP failed to score 20 points for the first time this season or postseason. He served as more of a facilitator, dishing 6 assists as Chet Holmgren led Oklahoma City with 24 points.
However, the points that he scored were a source of controversy among some basketball fans. While this is nothing new, fans accused Gilgeous-Alexander of "flopping" for fouls whenever he was on offense.
Call me old fashioned, but I think the soon to be 2x MVP should drive to the basket with the intent to score instead of driving to the basket with the intent to trick the ref.
— nick wright (@getnickwright) May 6, 2026
SGA is so bad for the league. Absolutely embarrassing pic.twitter.com/mniWF6Darb
— NBA Shane (@Shane00) May 6, 2026
SGA is flopping on EVERY PLAY 😭 pic.twitter.com/nwdhzyKwCW
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) May 6, 2026
As long as the refs call fouls like this, SGA will never stop flopping 😵 pic.twitter.com/WUuTQGT5wX
— Covers (@Covers) May 6, 2026
Q&A
Why are fans accusing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of flopping?
Fans believe Gilgeous-Alexander is exaggerating contact to draw fouls instead of playing aggressively to score.
What was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance in Game 1 against the Lakers?
He scored fewer than 20 points for the first time this season, contributing 6 assists while Chet Holmgren led the team with 24 points.
How did the Oklahoma City Thunder perform in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals?
The Thunder won the game against the Lakers by 18 points.
