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. SGA is flopping on EVERY PLAY pic.
twitter. com/nwdhzyKwCW — BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) May 6, 2026 “Dishonorable basketball in every sense. You would get kicked out of your local YMCA with this nonsense,” NFL writer Marcus Mosher posted on X.
Dishonorable basketball in every sense. You would get kicked out of your local YMCA with this nonsense. https://t.
co/uStt5YtwMZ — Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) May 6, 2026 “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.