Shai Gilgeous-Alexander faces criticism for ‘foul-baiting’ in playoffs

Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) against the Phoenix Suns during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened its Western Conference Semifinals series against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. The Thunder pulled away to protect homecourt in Game 1, but not everyone was pleased with Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

SGA has become a master of drawing the foul, but after a video was compiled of him “foul-baiting” early in Game 1 against Los Angeles, fans voiced some concern that perhaps he’s taking things too far, even though he wasn’t necessarily being granted the same friendly whistle he might during a regular-season game.

“Dishonorable basketball in every sense. You would get kicked out of your local YMCA with this nonsense,” NFL writer Marcus Mosher posted on X.

“He’s an all-time great who doesn’t need to do this [expletive] and doesn’t do it as often as people claim, but this [expletive] is terrible dawg,” someone else added.

“Does anyone enjoy watching this brand of hoop?” one fan asked.

Fans aren’t the only ones taking umbrage with SGA’s savvy moves to get to the line. During the regular season, Celtics star Jaylen Brown gavehim credit for his game, but acknowledged he doesn’t like the way he goes about getting to the line.

“Shai’s nice. Nice as f**k,”Brown said during a live stream, via Fadeaway World. “I don’t like the foul-baiting s**t. But Shai’s nice.”