Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has heard it all before. The two-time MVP is one of the most polarizing players in the NBA, drawing both admiration for his brilliance and criticism for his foul-drawing ability. In San Antonio, that criticism gets loud.
SGA ranked fourth in the NBA this season by averaging 9.0 free throw attempts per game and was up to 9.8 attempts per game across his first 10 playoff contests heading into Game 3. Those numbers have made him a target in opposing arenas, none more hostile than the Frost Bank Center.
ESPN’s Jay Williams went viral ahead of Game 3 for calling out what he described as “too much foul-baiting” when watching the Thunder. The Spurs crowd had clearly seen the clip.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Dismisses “Flopper” Chants After OKC Takes 2-1 Series Lead
The chants started in the third quarter. After Gilgeous-Alexander drew another foul, sections of the Frost Bank Center crowd broke into loud “Flopper! Flopper! Flopper!” chants directed straight at him. He never flinched, and Oklahoma City kept pulling away.
After the game, SGA was asked directly about it. His response was short and unbothered. “It does nothing,” he said. “Doesn’t fuel me, doesn’t discourage me. It’s part of the game. I’ve been dealing with it for a long time. I don’t really hear it.”
OKC backed him up with a dominant team performance. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 26 points and 12 assists, going a perfect 12-for-12 from the free throw line. Jared McCain added 24 off the bench and Jaylin Williams chipped in 18, as the Thunder pulled away for a 123-108 victory.
The Spurs had won Game 1 in double overtime before OKC evened the series in Game 2. Thursday’s win now gives the Thunder a 2-1 edge in the Western Conference Finals.
Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals tips off Monday night in San Antonio on ESPN.
