‘They Always Want to Make an Excuse’: NBA Vet Defends SGA Amid Flopping Criticism

Felton defended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander after the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. 

The podcast crew was discussing whether the Thunder players went too far with their foul-baiting tactics. Felton made it clear that manipulating contact is a basketball skill rather than cheating. 

He compared the situation to how James Harden popularized these same movements during his prime years with the Houston Rockets, where it was accepted as an elite strategy.

This criticism has sparked debate because Oklahoma City secured the NBA’s best regular-season record. Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level, and his team is on a deep playoff run. 

Before facing the Spurs, the Thunder looked unstoppable while sweeping both the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers. The increased scrutiny often follows the Thunder’s rapid ascent in the Western Conference.

NBA analysts are shifting their focus from basic box scores to the overall flow of the game. The debate now centers on whether foul-baiting disrupts the rhythm of high-stakes playoff games.

The Numbers and Tactics Behind the Thunder Star’s Playstyle

SGA is averaging 28 points per game in the 2026 playoffs. A large portion of his production comes from shooting around 10 free throws per game. 

An analytical study by Tom Haberstroh published on Yahoo Sports showed that the guard falls to the floor on 17.4% of his total shot attempts, and he goes down over half the time when an actual foul occurs.

These foul-drawing tactics are effective in basketball terms. He uses quick pump fakes, leans into defenders, and changes his driving speeds to catch players out of position. These moves are legal, as the 2021 rule adjustments only stopped extreme non-basketball lunges.

Despite being legal, host Colin Cowherd labeled him the “mayor of Flop City” due to how often he hits the hardwood compared to peers like Victor Wembanyama. Analysts on ESPN have criticized the frequent falls during physical playoff games. 

Gilgeous-Alexander previously stated that the historic players he grew up watching and admiring used these smart tactics to get to the free-throw line. The entire Oklahoma City organization shares this mindset, focusing on securing wins rather than worrying about media complaints.

The Thunder are now just one victory away from reaching the NBA Finals as they head into Game 6. Let us know if you think foul-baiting is a skill or if the league needs to crack down on players falling to the floor.