Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-baiting has overshadowed the Oklahoma City Thunder's early success in the Western Conference Finals.
While the Thunder have looked dominant, winning both games at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves, fans have taken issue with the NBA MVP's foul-baiting in the series.
And they're not alone.
Jaden McDaniels, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels defends a drive by Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Timberwolves star Jaden McDaniels, one of the league's best defenders, took matters into his own hands in Game 2.
In a 118-103 Oklahoma City win where Gilgeous-Alexander drew nine fouls and shot 13-for-15 at the free-throw line, McDaniels shoved the Thunder star to the ground after Gilgeous-Alexander hooked McDaniels' arm and was not called for a foul. It was a defiant act in response to what many have deemed an unfair whistle that Gilgeous-Alexander exploits willingly.
The play resulted in a flagrant foul against McDaniels, who was brutally honest after the game about his decision -- which fans across social media united in defending.
"I just wanted to foul him, for real," McDaniels said after the game. "I wasn't even mad, I just had fouls to use."
"We stand with McDaniels , no one likes hook foul baiting players," one fan wrote on X in response to a Bleacher Report post that has garnered over seven million views.
"He got annoyed with all the foul baiting so he gave him a real hard foul lmao," a second fan echoed.
"I think everyone have had enough for SGA flops except OKC fan base," a third fan wrote.
"Finally a real foul against SGA," another fan chimed in.
"SGA couldn’t believe it. He actually got fouledð," a fifth fan added.
As playoff physicality has become a central talker throughout the postseason, several fans also called for a return to an older brand of NBA.
Few fans came after McDaniels for his actions, other than Oklahoma City loyalists who have enjoyed their dominance in the postseason so far.
But the further the Thunder go, the more the NBA will have to answer for their league MVP playing a style of basketball that an overwhelming majority are up in arms against.
"The new foul era we are in is very unlikable. Players have made it a skill to manipulate refs and get to the foul line. Using your off hand offensively and throwing yourself everywhere. NBA on a decline," one fan wrote.