Flop or not: Does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander really fall more than his peers?
As we head into Game 3 of the Western Conference finals, the Thunder star's perceived flopping is undoubtedly a talking point.
English may not be Victor Wembanyama’s first language, but he sure does pick his words carefully. Back in December, after beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinal, he spoke about how it felt to take down the champs. “I’m just glad to be a part of something that’s growing to be so beautiful,” he said.
“So pure and ethical basketball. ” The obvious inference that emerged from that press conference: their opponent that night, the Thunder, does not play pure and ethical basketball. As the two teams clash again in these Western Conference finals, Wembanyama’s words still carry weight.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been crowned the MVP for the second season in a row, but has struggled to shed the reputation that he hunts for foul calls as fans have been known to chant “free throw merchant” in opposing arenas. In March, fellow All-Star Jaylen Brown seemed to take a shot at Gilgeous-Alexander’s “foul-baiting,” though the Celtic didn’t refer to him by name. Flopping has become a major talking point in the NBA, with Gilgeous-Alexander as a focal point.
Late Wednesday night after the Thunder tied up the series, a video post on X generated over 17 million views with the caption, “Shai flopped on every single shot attempt. ” Shai flopped on every single shot attempt. pic.
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