The foul-baiting debate in the NBA World, featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, has grown bigger with every game this season. Even though the entire OKC Thunder squad has come under scrutiny for their flopping, SGA has been at the top of the criticism. And now, TV personality Max Kellerman has expressed his feelings on the debate.
Kellerman was earlier in the spotlight for comparing James Harden’s playoff performance to that of President Donald Trump’s tenure as POTUS. And now, he is back with another strong opinion on flopping in the league. Featuring on the Game Over podcast, the American podcaster said:
“It’s not really SGA’s fault. It’s the league and the refs fault for allowing him to get away with it. He’s going to take what you give him. If he flops and gets the calls, why would he stop? He’s smart!”
Kellerman defended SGA and blamed the officials who are making such calls, and setting the benchmark of how the game will be played in the pro league. Numerous fans and analysts have expressed their disagreement with ref calls, especially in the postseason. Selling fouls is not an alien technique to the sport.
Several former players have gotten away with it and also reaped the benefits. However, blatant acts of flopping have frustrated fellow players and fans who see every detail clearly.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander among worst plus-minus players in the WC Finals series
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-28) and Luguentz Dort (-54) are two of the worst players of the Thunder in terms of plus-minus. SGA’s free-throw attempts also tell the story clearly. The Thunder has won games when the Canadian superstar has attempted more than 10 free throws in the game, with Game 2 being the only exception.
Meanwhile, the team’s bench has fired on all cylinders and led them to victory in difficult situations. Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain, the top Thunder players on that list, have played off the bench. Victor Wembanyama leads the list, followed by Dylan Harper.
In Game 2, the Thunder bench scored 76 points, the most by a bench in the conference finals since 1970-71, leading the team to victory. This means a lot will depend on how the Thunder’s bench will perform in Game 7. The game is scheduled for Saturday, May 30, at 8 p.m. ET.
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and DPOY Victor Wembanyama to Make NBA History in Game 7 Clash
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