WATCH: “Shameless stat-padding” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander intentionally fouls in dying seconds against Pacers only to reach 30-point mark, furious fans react

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke the Oklahoma City Thunder's single-season record for 30-point games, surpassing Kevin Durant.

WATCH: “Shameless stat-padding” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander intentionally fouls in dying seconds against Pacers only to reach 30-point mark, furious fans react

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (images via Open Source/X)

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder last night played host to the Indiana Pacers in what was a thrilling game of basketball.

The Thunders were late to the party and spent the rest of the night chasing a comeback, but ultimately succumbed to their first loss in three games by a final score line of 121-111. 

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However, every cloud has a silver lining, as it was in the case of Gilgeous-Alexander, who had a good game despite the loss. He scored 30 points, had 10 rebounds, and created five assists. Coupled with two steals, one block, and shooting 12/27 (44.4%) from the field. 

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Furthermore, with his 30 points scored, he broke the record held by a former Thunder player, Kevin Durant, by scoring his 48th 30+ points for the franchise. KD’s record stood at 47 games. However, the end doesn’t always justify the means, as the process had its fair share of controversy. 

The Pacers had effectively won as there was no way back for the Thunders, but SGA wasn’t ready to wait for the next game to break the record. He intentionally fouled Andrew Nembhard of the Indiana Pacers, which enabled him to immediately recover possession after the Pacers had converted their two free throws. He then quickly raced against time and converted his layup, which was enough for him to achieve the milestone.

Although he broke the record, it stirred up a heated debate on social media, with some praising his never-give-up mentality and others accusing him of being selfish. Whatever side you choose, it shouldn’t take away the fact that his pursuit of this record has enabled the Thunders to stay top and remain competitive in the hotly contested Western Conference. 

Fans react to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s selfish act

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the OKC Thunder’s top MVP contender, last night in the home loss to the Indiana Pacers broke the record for the most games with 30 or more points for his franchise.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Indiana Pacers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against the Indiana Pacers (via Open Source/X)

The process, however, has been a contentious subject on social media, with fans accusing the Canadian guard of being selfish and a stat-padder. 

As expected, the popular social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) played host to most of the comments. Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say: 

https://twitter.com/jmfhantom/status/1767909142302241105?s=46&t=oXcnYCbQ–fsNAj1cv1cOA

Despite the criticism, SGA is having an incredible season, and with his confidence super high, the Thunders have benefited from the resulting performance. This season, he averages 31.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 6.4 APG. 

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