Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fouls: Social media reacts to controversial reffing in Game 1 of WCF vs. Timberwolves

David Suggs

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fouls: Social media reacts to controversial reffing in Game 1 of WCF vs. Timberwolves image

Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals proved as contentious as it was compelling. The Thunder and Timberwolves slugged like prizefighters in the game's opening half, with baskets proving especially challenging to produce amid the flock of beanstalks that littered both sides' interiors.

It was a fairly even affair, even as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring touch scorned him ever so often.

The second half? Now, that was a different story.

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While Minnesota toiled, seeing triple after triple ricochet off iron, Oklahoma City found success with the ball in its grasp. Gilgeous-Alexander found his rhythm, gashing the Timberwolves' vaunted defense to the tune of 20 second-half points. He wasn't alone, either. Jalen Williams (19 points), Chet Holmgren (15 points), Isaiah Hartenstein (12 points), Alex Caruso (nine points), and Kenrich Williams (eight points) all poured in timely baskets as the match wore on.

Their effectiveness bore out in the scoreboard, too, as Minnesota's four-point halftime advantage mutated into a 26-point deficit.

The Thunder cruised to a decisive 114-88 win in Game 1, but the manner by which they, in part, did it — namely, SGA's proficiency at getting to the charity strike — had some feeling rather blue.

Here's what you need to know.

MORE WCF GAME 1:

Social media reactions to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander foul calls

Many were left dismayed by the refereeing on display during Game 1. Gilgeous-Alexander has routinely inspired scrutiny — if not outright condemnation — for the perception that he coaxes refs into sending him to the free throw line with exaggerated gestures.

The presumptive MVP led the league in free throw attempts per game in the regular season, averaging nearly eight a night, 1.5 more than second-place Giannis Antetokounmpo. And although the assessment that Gilgeous-Alexander is a "foul-baiter" may be slightly overblown — great players usually get fouled more than others — he did little to change that perception on Tuesday night.

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NBA Twitter took notice, too, decrying both Gilgeous-Alexander and the referees for their apparent ills. Check it out for yourself: 

Was Gilgeous-Alexander "grifting"? That's up for interpretation. The stats reveal that the Canadian supernova attempted a game-high 14 free throws on Tuesday night, seven more than any other player.

MORE: Complete NBA finals, playoff history for Oklahoma City Thunder

On the whole, Oklahoma City recorded just five more free throws than Minnesota. For what it's worth, the Timberwolves chucked up 51 threes compared to the Thunder's 21, so that could explain some of the discrepancy.

The postseason is defined largely by its physical play, with referees believed to be more willing to ignore hard contact in the hopes of keeping the game flowing. Gilgeous-Alexander continues to live at the line, getting there with more regularity than he did in the regular season (8.7 free throws in the postseason compared to 7.9 in the regular season).

But there are a number of players who enjoyed the same phenomenon this postseason, including Donovan Mitchell, Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Anthony Edwards.

It will be interesting to see how that trend develops over the course of the round. Suffice it to say, onlookers will be watching on with real interest. 

David Suggs

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.