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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25 points in a 119-84 win over the Phoenix Suns, but fans criticized his performance despite leading the game. He played only 29 minutes due to the team's dominant lead.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 119-84 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 last Sunday.
The result was effectively secured early, allowing OKC to control the pace throughout.
The Thunder star played just 29 minutes due to the comfortable margin, yet still finished as the gameâs top scorer with 25 points. His efficiency ensured the hosts never lost control of the contest.
Despite the convincing win and his scoring output, Gilgeous-Alexanderâs performance sparked debate among fans. Attention quickly shifted from the result to how his points were accumulated.
Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
Gilgeous-Alexanderâs trip to the free throw line became the focal point of discussion after the game. Of his 25 points, 15 came from free throws, highlighting a recurring aspect of his playstyle.
That tendency has divided opinion throughout recent seasons, and the reaction following the Suns game was particularly strong from those who disapprove of his approach.
One fan wrote on X: âItâs a disgrace the best guard in basketball chooses to play like this. The league has to stop rewarding this or else the game will die.â
Another added: âA terrible brand of basketball. Itâs why he canât be the face of the league. You arenât as excited to watch him play compared to the Stephs, Brons, Shaqs, Kobes, MJs, Birds and Magics. He plays a boring brand of basketball because he leans on flopping for fouls.â
Fans criticized Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's performance despite his 25 points because they expected more from him in terms of impact and minutes played.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played just 29 minutes in the game against the Phoenix Suns.
The final score of the game was 119-84 in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

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âHe is not the best guard in the league, he has to play like that or he will just be a top 25 player instead of top 5,â read a third comment.
Another reaction summed up the frustration: â25 points on 17 FT attempts is a disgusting stat line, big bro.â
Gilgeous-Alexander addressed the high free throw volume by explaining his style of play after the game.
During the post-match press conference, the MVP contender said: âWhen you drive the ball a lot, you get fouled a lot, just because most of the fouls happen on drives, and I drive the ball a lot, so that probably adds to it.
âI just tried to get better at many aspects over the years Iâve been in the league, trying to be able to attack teamsâ defences in multiple ways, and I feel like Iâve done so.â
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