Thunder react to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's flagrant foul in Game 2 win over Lakers

May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives down the court against Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) in the second half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

In a moment that could've shaken the Oklahoma City Thunder to a bad playoff loss, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's fourth-foul-plus-flagrant combo turned inconsequential. Trying to get Austin Reaves unglued to him, the reigning MVP accidentally dragged his shoulders across his midsection.

That forced one of many referee reviews. Not even two minutes into the second half, Gilgeous-Alexander was handed his fourth foul. He was also ticketed with a rare flagrant foul. Without him, the Thunder relied on their bench to pull away in a 125-107 Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a modest 22 points and two assists. The Thunder had their second-unit lineup take care of business without their best player. Not exactly a luxury most teams historically share with their MVP candidate.

Of course, Gilgeous-Alexander's flagrant foul caused uproar. Possibility related to what happened, Reaves and a group of Lakers players confronted the officiating crew after the buzzer. Here's what the Thunder had to say about the viral moment:

Mark Daigneault