The Oklahoma City Thunder sent LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers packing with a clean four-game sweep on Monday night.
While the spotlight was largely on James’ heartbreaking exit despite a brave effort from the Lakers, some fans also piled on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for his underwhelming playoff performance in Round 2.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Facing Playoff Criticism Despite the Thunder’s Sweep
Despite dropping 35 points in the 115-110 series-clinching win on Monday, Gilgeous-Alexander has looked uncharacteristically mortal for long stretches of this postseason run.
Averaging 31.1 points during the regular season and nearly 34 points against the Phoenix Suns in Round 1, everyone is pretty used to seeing SGA as the primary weapon for the OKC offense.
However, in the series against the Lakers, the four-time All-Star has been largely in the shadows.
The first three Games against the Lakers saw Gilgeous-Alexander record 21.0 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, including a game-high 7-turnover performance in Game 1.
While the Thunder locker room remains entirely unbothered by the outside noise, it does little to quiet the critics.
Slamming the reigning MVP’s unimpressive production, barring Game 4, fans did not hesitate in voicing their thoughts.
“Shaimless has more free throw made than field goals made. #Nothingnew #unethical,” one user bluntly posted.
Shaimless has more free throw made than field goals made #Nothingnew #unethical pic.twitter.com/uIkDnVamut
— ✨💫 (@4StarsOnly1) May 12, 2026
“Why is everybody on OKC a threat besides Shai bro lmfao. Ts unwatchable,” a Lakers fan wrote.
“This series has been legitimately damaging to SGA’s legacy. Hasn’t even been the best player at his own position on his team. That should never happen to a player in an MVP season,” another user noted.
This series has been legitimately damaging to SGA’s legacy. Hasn’t even been the best player at his own position on his team. That should never happen to a player in an MVP season
— Barry (@BarryOnHere) May 12, 2026
“Never compare SGA to Steph Curry again,” a user declared.
“If you only follow Laker accounts you’d think that Shai’s 35 point 8 assist game was a playoff drop,” one user wrote, offering a different perspective on SGA criticism.
If you only follow Laker accounts you’d think that Shai’s 35 point 8 assist game was a playoff drop
— KlawWrld (@kawhi_ring) May 12, 2026
“I have never seen a superstar get more help than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,” one user claimed.
“‘Wow, Shai is so efficient!!!’ He pushes off every possession, and half of his misses aren’t on the stat sheet because he’s going to the free-throw line,” another user said.
Meanwhile, the Lakers were desperate to extend their season in Game 4.
Austin Reaves dropped 27 points, and Rui Hachimura added 25 as Los Angeles kept the game close, pressuring Oklahoma City’s offense to execute in the clutch.
While the collective effort of the Thunder’s roster continued to succeed, even during their star’s uneven stretches, SGA’s current struggles cannot, and likely shouldn’t, persist.
Because Gilgeous-Alexander rediscovering his rhythm is the key to an 8-0 playoff team looking to go back-to-back.
