Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sends Clear Message on ‘Flopper' Chants

The Oklahoma City Thunder have officially regained control of the Western Conference Finals, taking a 2-1 series lead after winning Game 3 at San Antonio’s energized home court.

The Spurs fans attempted to help fire up their team, but it only lasted so long, and eventually Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammate took the game over en route to a 123-108 win.

SGA finished with 26 points, and 12 of those came at the free throw line, where he connected on all 12 attempts. With that, the popular criticism of his flopping to draw fouls continues to come into focus.

It also provided the basis for a loud chant from the home team’s fans, calling out the two-time MVP as a “flopper” to try to rattle him during the game.

More news:Victor Wembanyama Goes Viral in Photo With Spurs Legend Ahead of Game 3

Following his team’s win, SGA was asked if those chants fuel him to play harder or have a bigger impact on the game. However, the Thunder star said he is unfazed by it.

“It does nothing. Doesn’t fuel me, doesn’t discourage me. It’s part of the game. I’ve been dealing with it a long time. I don’t really hear it,” he said postgame.

That probably won’t end the constant criticism and chants that SGA receives for falling to the court and drawing fouls, which he and others in the league have become skilled at.

The 2026 NBA MVP was at the top of the NBA in terms of made free throws this past season, and second in attempts, behind only the Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic.

Those watching the game probably noticed SGA on the court multiple times, usually after a shot, and usually drawing a whistle. However, NBC commentator Reggie Miller defended him several times, saying a Spurs defender made contact.

SGA has recently become the subject of a hilarious new game from Underdog, “Unethical Hoops,” based on the classic board game “Operation,” that focuses on removing mini basketballs from SGA without committing a foul.

However, all of the jabs, critical remarks, and chants don’t seem to get under Gilgeous-Alexander’s skin, which is likely why he and his team have seized a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4 of the Western Conference is back in San Antonio with tip-off at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday.

More news:Jay Williams Sounds Off on Thunder for ‘Foul Baiting' Amid NBA Playoff Run

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 9:04 AM.