“Bigger Flopper Than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander”: Austin Reaves Under Fire After Drawing Flagrant on Thunder Star
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fell in foul trouble during Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers. You read that right.
Nov 12, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket between Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) and guard Austin Reaves (15) during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images ©Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fell in foul trouble during Game 2 against the Los Angeles Lakers . You read that right.
The Thunder’s MVP frontrunner, often blamed for his way of drawing fouls, picked up three in the first half. The break didn’t help SGA. Right as the second half began, the reigning Finals MVP was locked in a dangerous play with Austin Reaves.
It was a simple possession, Reaves taking the assignment to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers guard offered no space, placing both his arms near SGA’s ribcage. It wasn’t a position where either could really draw a foul, but if you were to still guess, Reaves looked in a compromising position.
But that changed after a few seconds. The Thunder cornerstone, desperate to make an impact, called for the ball. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trapped Reaves’ right arm under his armpit.