The San Antonio Spurs-OKC Thunder series has been everything the fans have dreamt of since the Golden State Warriors-Cleveland Cavaliers rivalry era. But Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has learnt to ignore hostile chants, like those during Oklahoma City's Game 3 victory over San Antonio on Friday. 

The reigning MVP and his team were subjected to loud taunts from the San Antonio crowd throughout the game. Every time SGA drew a foul on a Spurs player, fans erupted in chants against him. But it was the last thing that Shai was bothered about. SGA, when asked if trolling fueled him, responded calmly.

"It does nothing. Doesn't fuel me, doesn't discourage me. It’s part of the game. It's nothing. I've been dealing with it for a long time. I don't really hear it. I'm focused on what's going on on the court."

It isn’t something new for SGA. The Thunder star has been facing trolling by a part of the fanbase for quite some time now. Facing a hostile crowd in a competitive playoff environment is almost a given for any visiting team.

SGA elaborated on this during the post-game presser.

"I expect that from them, and I honestly like it. It makes the game more interesting, more fun, and more exciting, whether they're for or against me."

SGA finished the game with 26 points and 12 assists while shooting 6 of 17 from the field. He went to the free-throw line 12 times, more than any player in the game.

But not everyone booed the Thunder star.

Reggie Miller Stands With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Amid Booing by Spurs Fans

Despite consecutive MVPs, fans often criticize Gilgeous-Alexander’s playing style. It is hard to deny that the Thunder star is one of the best in the league when it comes to drawing fouls.

But a large part of the narrative has been flopping. 

On Friday, while the Spurs fans booed him, NBA legend Reggie Miller stood with the MVP and his team and showed love to them. 

"There's somewhat of a narrative going around about [Shai], how many times he falls... this OKC [Thunder] team, they're unbearable to watch, the flopping, the flailing. I love everything about SGA,” Miller said.

But SGA wasn’t the only player on the Thunder team who had to face trolling by the Spurs fans.

During the pregame warmups, Isaiah Hartenstein received the “you pull hair” chants from the fans, alluding to his controversial play on Stephon Castle in Game 2. 

While there is still convincing evidence about which side this series is going to go, this rivalry is slowly shaping the NBA, and the fans are very much part of it. 

Do you think SGA flops, or is it just the constructed narrative against the MVP? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Surjo Ray