Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC is in ‘Doubt Mode’ After 27-Point Drubbing, Says Paul Pierce

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his OKC teammates ended Game 6 early after the Spurs blew them out in the first three quarters.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC is in ‘Doubt Mode’ After 27-Point Drubbing, Says Paul Pierce

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Oklahoma City Thunder faced a 27-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs, forcing a decisive Game 7.
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's struggles have raised concerns about his performance and legacy heading into the crucial game.
  • Fair officiating in Game 6 has limited the Thunder's reliance on foul calls, impacting their scoring effectiveness.

Game 6 did not go the way Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his Oklahoma City Thunder expected, as the San Antonio Spurs dominated from start to end, forcing Game 7.

The game, as per consensus, was fairly officiated. It stopped the away team from getting as many foul calls as they had in the previous games. That change impeded them on the scoring end.

Once the Spurs realized that the officials were not calling flopping fouls, they proceeded to use their length and athleticism to impose their will.

The situation has turned to a point where many are lauding the NBA for not allowing OKC to get away with flops. It seems Pat McAfee grilling Adam Silver helped to stop this from continuing.

Now, as both teams head into Game 7, there are many who wonder whether the league will allow the flops to show up, considering the Thunder will be playing at home. But a former champion believes their confidence has taken a hit.

I believe San Antonio created a little doubt in OKC’s locker room. Because they like, ‘Damn, how a team go on a 20-0 run.’ You thinking like Shai, I’m struggling, how can I score, it’s frustrating. They’re not going to be able to sleep. And if I’m San Antonio, I’m like, ‘We’re better than them y’all. Y’all see this, we’re better than them.’

Paul Pierce said

Paul Pierce reminded his No Fouls Given co-hosts that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his teammates have experienced Game 7s before and have triumphed. But this time, it was different.

RELATED
Dillon Brooks’ ‘Unethical Hoops’ Game Trolling Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Leaves Fans in Stitches – “This is Absolutely Genius and Hilarious”

Paul Pierce’s former teammate believes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s legacy is on the line

Pierce believes that the Oklahoma City Thunder are on shaky ground. But since Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the leader of the pack and the reigning two-time MVP, Pierce’s former teammate believes the pressure is on him to deliver.

Pressure is on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to perform
Pressure is on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to perform (Image via Eurohoops TR/X)

It is a legacy moment, this Game 7 for SGA… For SGA, you’ve got to defend your home court. You’ve been struggling. They’ve been having you on lock. You’ve been shooting your worst that you ever did in any series percentage-wise.

Kendrick Perkins said on the Road Trippin’ Show

The former Boston Celtics center also made it clear to Victor Wembanyama that he, too, is under pressure to perform and prove his hype was not fake.

But Kendrick Perkins took aim at Gilgeous-Alexander’s ‘worst’ shooting percentage in the playoffs, and asked him to step up if the Thunder are to defend their crown. He also warned the Canadian that the Spurs will defend him hard in Game 7. How he comes out of it all will define his legacy, as currently, it is shaky at best.

RELATED
Steve Kerr Doesn’t Blame Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for Free Throws, He Blames The NBA Rules

Fair officiating has analyst piling the pressure on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Many appreciated the league for fairly officiating Game 6. It proved just how dependent the Oklahoma City Thunder and its primary superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are on foul calls.

SGA had a terrible game last night… Every time he drives, he’s falling to the ground. The refs aren’t taking that bait anymore. It’s almost as if the memo is out… He is struggling this season… this series, he’s even worse… The pressure is on SGA, and he’s not delivering.

Jason McIntyre said on The Herd

The analyst made it clear that he was not a ‘hater,’ but could not stop talking about how SGA’s flopping has become the most dominant discussion in these playoffs.

Now that the league and officials are taking note of it and adjusting, Gilgeous-Alexander’s primary weapon has been taken away. He has to find a way to score without flopping, or else their season is over.

Also Read: