May 20, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts after an officials call against him against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game one of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Faces Backlash From NBA World For Timberwolves-Thunder Game

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated May 20, 2025 11:19 PM ET

On Tuesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished the 114-88 victory with 31 points, five rebounds, nine assists and three steals while shooting 10/27 from the field and 0/4 from the three-point range in 38 minutes of playing time.

Many people reacted to his performance on social media.

@destroynectar: "shai is the most protected player in nba history

how is this a foul?"

shai is the most protected player in nba history

how is this a foul? pic.twitter.com/zAKAP0FKnw
— sea✰ (@destroynectar) May 21, 2025

@cordellwright25: "The way Shai plays is why people stopped watching the NBA. Refs gotta stop giving him a whistle."

The way Shai plays is why people stopped watching the NBA. Refs gotta stop giving him a whistle.
— Cordell Clifford Wright (@cordellwright25) May 21, 2025

Tony Jones: "Shai….stop grifting and play basketball bro"

Shai….stop grifting and play basketball bro
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) May 21, 2025

Justin Russo: "Shai's free throw rate going UP in the postseason compared to his regular season mark is legitimately funny."

Shai's free throw rate going UP in the postseason compared to his regular season mark is legitimately funny.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) May 21, 2025

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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