The OKC Thunder dismantled the Timberwolves in what was initially a close Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference Finals. They beat Minnesota by 26 points and won the game 114-88 after blowing the game wide open in the fourth quarter. It was a 10-point game at the end of the third quarter, but the Thunder came out on a mission in the fourth quarter and added another 16 points to their lead (38-22 in the quarter).
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who struggled in the first half, found his rhythm in the second half and destroyed the Timberwolves down the stretch. He had only 11 points in the first half (with seven free throws made) but finished the game with 31 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds, going 11 of 14 from the free-throw line.
Gilgeous-Alexander was on the receiving end of several favorable foul calls that arguably should not have been called in the first place. Multiple instances of minimal physical contact, contact initiated by Gilgeous-Alexander going as a foul on the defender, and much more. This infuriated the NBA fans and media members, who took to social media to criticize these controversial calls in the Canadian star’s favor.
Even Anthony Edwards was frustrated with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to reach the free-throw line. He even threw the ball at SGA in frustration during the game, which earned him a technical foul.
“This is so stupid lol. SGA created the contact, then started stumbling to make it look like he got fouled. NBA needs to stop rewarding players for this garbage style of play. It’s trash”, said an unhappy fan online.
“I don’t care who wins this game. The touch foul calls SGA gets are really awful. They don’t resemble anything else that’s happening in the playoffs”, said Bill Simmons. The Playoffs usually epitomize the physicality of basketball played in the NBA. Throughout the season, one would arguably see the most physical form of basketball because the officials are expected to understand the gravity and desperation of the situation, especially when you’re so close to winning it all.
“SGA’s whistle needs to be studied”, wrote a frustrated fan on X.
“Hell of a shot, but another ludicrous whistle for SGA”, wrote Jason Timpf of the Volume Sports.
“Glad people are seeing SGA flop on national television. Absolute joke of a player to watch. The type of hoops that make u understand why the NBA is losing ratings.”, said an annoyed fan on X after Gilgeous-Alexander “tripped on nothing” and was still given the initial call in his favor until a coach’s challenge was issued and they realized what happened.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is such a foul baiter that he starts acting like he's being fouled before anyone even touches him.
Such a boring way to play and bad for the game. pic.twitter.com/LGoUKW2Q4m
— Cryptid Politics 🇺🇸🐊 (@CryptidPolitics) May 21, 2025
Previously, opposing coaches have also called out the unfair officiating they saw in favor of the “foul artist” Gilgeous-Alexander. Data has also “exposed” the reality behind SGA’s multiple 30-point games in the Playoffs this season. Almost reminds me of James Harden and how the league had to crack down on foul-baiting because he managed to figure out ways of initiating contact that sent him to the line 858 times (he went 754-858 in 2018-19 from the free-throw line).
Will the league have to crack down on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ways as well? Is this unfair to other players, or is SGA just too good for the rest of the league? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
