Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals turned into an exciting overtime thriller as the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs were locked at 101 at the end of regulation.
As the rising Spurs dynasty went toe-to-toe against the defending champions at Paycom Center on Monday night, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looked completely out of rhythm on the biggest stage.
NBA World Cries Foul Over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘Foulbaiting’ in Game 1 Thriller
The two-time reigning MVP did not look like himself against a dominant San Antonio defense. Gilgeous-Alexander shot a dismal 7-for-23 from the floor, putting up 24 points and 12 assists.
As has been the case this season, it did not take long for basketball purists and analysts to express immediate frustration with Gilgeous-Alexander’s disjointed play after San Antonio’s 122-115 2OT win.
Many criticized the Thunder superstar for bending the rulebook rather than imposing his will offensively, with one user writing, “SGA always resorts to foul baiting when he getting locked up this the most shameless player ever.”
SGA always resorts to foul baiting when he getting locked up this the most shameless player ever
— ✧.* (@HoodiiBron) May 19, 2026
“HE WASN’T TOUCHED, AND HE JUST FLOPS ONTO THE COURT!! What are we witnessing with Shai Gilgeous Alexander!? 🤯🤯” another user exclaimed.
HE WASN’T TOUCHED, AND HE JUST FLOPS ONTO THE COURT!!
What are we witnessing with Shai Gilgeous Alexander!? 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/5NpwUqtRym
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) May 19, 2026
Having converted 8 of his 9 free-throw attempts, Gilgeous-Alexander looked uncharacteristically hesitant against San Antonio defenders.
“Shai has to foul bait his way to 20 pts lmfaoo ts just embarrassing now,” one X user remarked.
Shai has to foul bait his way to 20 pts lmfaoo ts just embarrassing now
— LeBron__legacy 👑 🐐 (@LeBron__legacy) May 19, 2026
Oklahoma City had entered this series undefeated after sweeping both the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers.
However, that belief seemed to evaporate against San Antonio, as the Thunder’s flawless execution completely vanished.
“SGA shamelessly flopping already smh,” one user wrote, expressing their disdain.
“Actually hilarious how every time sga foul baits nbc won’t show the replay,” another user claimed.
“SGA flamboyant, a notorious flopper, and look like a deer caught in headlight every time he drive the ball. Be a f***in Man bro,” one user posted, tearing into the reigning MVP’s lackluster night.
SGA flamboyant, a notorious flopper, and look like a deer caught in headlight every time he drive the ball
Be a fuckin Man bro
— KingIrizarry64 (@KingIrizarry64) May 19, 2026
With Gilgeous-Alexander not at his best, Jalen Williams tried to shoulder the scoring burden, recording 26 points and 7 rebounds.
It was Alex Caruso who unexpectedly kept the Thunder afloat amidst their offensive stagnation. The two-time NBA champion poured in 31 points off the bench on 11-for-19 shooting.
For the Spurs, on the other hand, the inexperience narrative went out the window as Victor Wembanyama absolutely terrorized the Thunder defense.
The 7-foot-4 center racked up 41 points and 24 rebounds in another sensational display of two-way dominance. The Frenchman received support from the Spurs backcourt, with Dylan Harper chipping in 24 points and 11 rebounds.
Stephon Castle added 17 points, and Devin Vassell contributed 13 to keep the San Antonio offense humming.
It is only Game 1, but if this performance was any indicator of things to come, Oklahoma City’s dreams of going back-to-back might end up stumbling on a Wemby-sized hurdle.
