The 'flopper' and 'foul-baiting' claims surrounding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are not going to go away anytime soon. In the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, SGA has been falling on the hardwood a lot more than usual.

While some may say the Spurs have been playing their defense much more physically against him, others just see it as foul-baiting. Either way, the allegations are just getting louder with every passing game.

With seven minutes to go in the third quarter in Game 3, SGA drew a foul call by hitting the deck. Spurs fans erupted and began chanting 'Flopper!' at the reigning MVP. The chants went on for over two minutes straight.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has not been at his imperious best in the playoffs this year, but it looks like he is starting to find his scoring touch in the last two games. While he seems to be regaining his MVP form, the 'flopper' claims are just getting stronger.

The two-time MVP is one of, if not the best, scorers in the NBA today. But a lot of his points come from free throws. Scoring free throws is a part of the game, but the manner in which he draws the calls from the referees has sparked criticism.

The Canadian international is coming off his fourth consecutive 30-point season in the NBA. His numbers and efficiency have led pundits to put him in the same tier as Michael Jordan. But unfortunately, the constant flopping has somewhat diminished his incredible scoring achievements.

He is not helping his case either, as he fell nine times on shot attempts in Game 2. For context, that is more than Victor Wembanyama has fallen in this entire postseason. However, as long as it keeps working, SGA may see no reason to stop selling even minimal contact.

There is no doubt that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has elevated himself as one of the best players in the world over the last two years. He is coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign where he won the MVP award, scoring title, Finals MVP, and the NBA Championship. And he has shown no signs of slowing down this season.

After an impressive performance in Game 2, SGA led the way for his team once again. He posted a double-double as he recorded 26 points and 12 assists in 36 minutes in Game 3.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the league in free throws made (540) and had nine free throw attempts per game in the regular season. Many believe his excessive foul-baiting has become his go-to tactic on the court.

However, Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton came out in support of SGA.

It's so overblown, stop it. That's a lot. Selling is a part of the game. It's a part of basketball; he isn't doing it all the time. A lot of times, you see these plays where people are mad, and they're like 'Oh, he's flopping,' but when you see when the guy fouls him, he's like 'Damn.' He knows he fouled him; he's not even arguing that he fouled him.

The allegations are not going to stop, especially when SGA gets the calls in his favor. As Steve Kerr once said, the problem is not with SGA; it is with the rules and the officiating.

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