Peter Okereke
Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledged on Friday night, that hostility from opposing fans has become part of his experience as one of the NBA’s biggest players.
The comment from SGA came following OKC’s 123-108 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.
The reigning back-to-back MVP helped lead the Thunder to a 2-1 series advantage while embracing the atmosphere inside Frost Bank Center, where Spurs fans repeatedly directed chants and boos toward him throughout the night.
Gilgeous-Alexander posted 26 points, 12 assists, two rebounds and one block while shooting 6-for-17 from the field across 36 minutes. Despite struggling at times from the floor, he continued to control the pace offensively and repeatedly capitalized at the free-throw line as Oklahoma City pulled away late.
After the matchup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander admitted he understands why opposing crowds have embraced rooting against him during the postseason.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on rival fans disliking him during games
Speaking during the postgame press conference, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said he wasn’t surprised that opposing fans don’t like him.
“I expect that from the opposing team like they’re not gonna like me,” Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters.
“They shouldn’t. I get it, it’s part of the game. They’re doing their part in making the game exciting and watching sports, playing sports my whole life, that’s what it’s always been and just because it’s me, it’s no different.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also claimed that the dislike of rival fans bases towards him apparently makes basketball games more interesting in the playoffs.
“I expect that from them… I honestly like it,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It makes the game more interesting, more fun, more exciting whether they are for or against me like I said.”
OKC Thunder takes 2-1 series lead vs. Spurs as SGA leads Game 3 effort
Oklahoma City entered Game 3 looking to regain momentum after splitting the opening two games of the series at home.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to consistently draw fouls frustrated the San Antonio Spurs throughout the game, with the Thunder putting up one of their most complete performances of the postseason, using strong defensive stretches and efficient ball movement to quiet the Spurs crowd especially during the second half.
As such, the Oklahoma City Thunder are now two wins away from returning to the NBA Finals and defending their championship. SGA and company will attempt to seize a commanding 3-1 series lead when the teams meet again Sunday at 5:00 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock.
