Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder last night played host to the Indiana Pacers in what was a thrilling game of basketball.
The Thunders were late to the party and spent the rest of the night chasing a comeback, but ultimately succumbed to their first loss in three games by a final score line of 121-111.
However, every cloud has a silver lining, as it was in the case of Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a good game despite the loss. He scored 30 points, had 10 rebounds, and created five assists. Coupled with two steals, one block, and shooting 12/27 (44.4%) from the field.
Furthermore, with his 30 points scored, he broke the record held by a former Thunder player, Kevin Durant, by scoring his 48th 30+ points for the franchise. KD’s record stood at 47 games. However, the end doesn’t always justify the means, as the process had its fair share of controversy.
The Pacers had effectively won as there was no way back for the Thunders, but SGA wasn’t ready to wait for the next game to break the record. He intentionally fouled Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers, which enabled him to immediately recover possession after the Pacers had converted their two free throws. He then quickly raced against time and converted his layup, which was enough for him to achieve the milestone.
Although he broke the record, it stirred up a heated debate on social media, with some praising his never-give-up mentality and others accusing him of being selfish. Whatever side you choose, it shouldn’t take away the fact that his pursuit of this record has enabled the Thunders to stay top and remain competitive in the hotly contested Western Conference.
Even Luka Doncic had the decency to come out at the 6 minute mark instead of chasing the streak.
This is NASTY work by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
SGA intentional fouls down 10 with 14 seconds left to get to 30… in a loss… 😬
Shameless, egregious, preposterous stat padding.… pic.twitter.com/XpOinBecP3
— Jerico (@kyriemavs) March 13, 2024
Fans react to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s selfish act
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder’s top MVP contender, last night in the home loss to the Indiana Pacers broke the record for the most games with 30 or more points for his franchise.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Indiana Pacers (via Open Source/X)The process, however, has been a contentious subject on social media, with fans accusing the Canadian guard of being selfish and a stat-padder.
As expected, the popular social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) played host to most of the comments. Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:
I like how they almost let him score that layup, like a special needs kid. I think Shai’s candidacy is doomed. Between garbage like this and choking in three out of four against the Play-In bound Lakers, Shai has shown that he doesn’t have MVP character, numbers aside.
— Frank Jewett (@frankhjewett) March 13, 2024
The NBA contracts have clauses for almost anything. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s done that for something like that. I’ve seen players not shooting free shots just to keep their numbers because of bonuses etc
— Ο Trollος του Χωριου (@d3biant) March 13, 2024
This was so pointless, he would’ve got the record next game anyway.
— OldYoungin (@lil_gi4nt) March 13, 2024
All that to get to 30 points instead of having 28 🤦🏼♂️.
— Troy (@AverageJoe2022A) March 13, 2024
The Luka shit is hypocrisy to add in here. But SGA doing this is absolutely embarrassing.
He’s a fuckin clown for this.
He deserves slander all day today for this.
Then we move on because he’s a really good likable player. https://t.co/TxDS1Vv1rY
— Boston Three Party (@CelticPride0) March 13, 2024
Despite the criticism, SGA is having an incredible season, and with his confidence super high, the Thunders have benefited from the resulting performance. This season, he averages 31.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 6.4 APG.
