In this year’s Western Conference Finals, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has drawn the ire of the Spurs fanbase with his incessant foul-baiting ways. To send a message to the two-time reigning MVP, one Spurs fan brought an interesting prop with her to Frost Bank Center.
A viral clip shows the fan, who was sitting at courtside, waving a replica of an Oscar trophy to mock Gilgeous-Alexander as Game 4 got underway.
Though the Oscars are prestigious awards in the entertainment industry, the implications are clear: This Spurs fan is ridiculing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his “acting” skills on the court.
For years, Gilgeous-Alexander’s critics have derided the Thunder star for using tactics like flopping and embellishing his reactions to defenders’ physicality. On top of this, SGA and his teammates have been criticized for getting away with what fans deem as rough play on their opponents.
To SGA’s credit, he has weathered the storm of criticism and led the Thunder to a second consecutive appearance in the Western Conference Finals. This time around, OKC has to contend with a loaded Spurs squad bannered by MVP finalist Victor Wembanyama, former Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, and this season’s Sixth Man of the Year Keldon Johnson.
Whether or not Gilgeous-Alexander sees the trophy in Game 4, he likely won’t be dissuaded from his tactics of drawing fouls in this tightly contested series.
“Flopper” Chants Ring Out in Frost Bank Center As Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Warms Up Ahead of Game 4
The fan at courtside wasn’t alone in the efforts to get on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s nerves ahead of Game 4. As the reigning MVP and his teammates warmed up, fans who entered Frost Bank Center early broke out in a loud “Flopper” chant.
This is the first time in nine years that the Spurs are competing in the Western Conference Finals, and their fans are intent on getting their team to the championship series.
