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El Barça da un paso adelante y certifica el descenso del Granada a Primera FEB
El Barça se lleva un trabajado partido y asegura el descenso del Granada a la Primera FEB.
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NBA
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made a valid point about why opposing fans hate the Thunder
TL;DR
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander highlights why many fans dislike the Oklahoma City Thunder, citing their success and perceived officiating advantages. The Thunder's impressive record and gameplay strategies contribute to this animosity.
Key points
- Oklahoma City Thunder are reigning NBA champions
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a likely back-to-back MVP
- Thunder have three straight Western Conference No. 1 seeds
- Fans accuse Thunder of gaming the officials
- Thunder's gameplay frustrates many opposing fans
Oklahoma City ThunderShai Gilgeous-Alexander
Love them or hate them, the reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder's success over the last few years is undeniable.
Three straight Western Conference No. 1 playoff seeds. Nearly 180 regular-season wins and 30 postseason victories (and counting). And, of course, the 2025 NBA title. Ho-hum.
The Thunder are a preeminent example of what it means to thrive at the highest level of professional basketball. They are a machine, powered by likely back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous Alexander and the NBA's deepest, most talented roster. Whether they admit it or not, everyone in the Association right now would love to trade places with Oklahoma City atop the league's hierarchy. Without question.
For those that hate the Thunder, of which there are many, it's a common refrain to talk about how they've gamed the officials. Shoot, even some of the NBA's more famous (ahem) purple and gold "pots" have called the "kettle" black. How, on one end, a gifted player like Gilgeous-Alexander has maximized accentuating contact for free throws, and, on defense, the Thunder get so physical with the opposition that it's hard to call absolutely everything a foul. While I'm inclined to agree that the Thunder are threading an officiating needle we've seldom seen, and I do understand why it's sometimes so frustrating to watch this sort of behavior from an otherwise great team, let's be very clear about what most people do when they only highlight this specific part of Oklahoma City's puzzle.
It is extreme coping at best, and green with envy at worst. The Thunder are a villain to many, and a compelling one at that, precisely because they're so good. Full stop.
In a new story from ESPN's Tim Keown about the Thunder's ongoing dominance, Gilgeous-Alexander explained this phenomenon about non-Thunder fans perfectly. :
Q&A
Why do opposing fans dislike the Oklahoma City Thunder?
Opposing fans often dislike the Thunder due to their recent success and perceptions that they manipulate officiating to their advantage.
What has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said about fan perceptions of the Thunder?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander pointed out that while the Thunder's gameplay can frustrate fans, it is a testament to their skill and success.
How successful have the Oklahoma City Thunder been recently?
The Thunder have achieved three consecutive Western Conference No. 1 playoff seeds, nearly 180 regular-season wins, and 30 postseason victories.
