Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world today. A title that was meant for LeBron James for nearly two decades.
However, with immense success and accolades comes love, but unfortunately hate from fans as well. It is something James has endured ever since he elevated himself as the face of the NBA.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, the reigning MVP spoke about the hate and criticism he receives from fans.
Everybody in the history of the NBA has an arc where everyone loves them, and then everyone hates them. LeBron James was hated, and look what he's done for the game? It's part of the game. I love it. It's stuff I dreamed about as a kid.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on the hate he receivesShai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season, he won the NBA championship, Finals MVP, league MVP, and the scoring title. And he has shown no signs of slowing down this season as he remains the frontrunner to win another MVP award.
His performances over the past four seasons have seen him earn praise from several NBA personalities, including LeBron James. He is on course to average 30+ points in four consecutive seasons, putting him in the same tier as Michael Jordan. Former NBA champion Paul Pierce went as far as to call him the 'Michael Jordan of modern NBA'.
Despite his staggering performances, SGA has been on the receiving end of his foul-baiting and free-throw calls. But it looks like the Canadian international remains unbothered by those comments. He goes about his job and dominates on the court like he always does.
Social media can be a happy and a dark place. Sometimes the hate can be overwhelming to some athletes, but SGA seems to be handling it well so far. The reigning champion is drawing inspiration from the best to ever do it, LeBron James.
NBA fans took to social media to react to SGA's comments on overcoming hate.
Most of the fans continued to hate on the Thunder guard, calling him a 'free-throw merchant'. SGA is third in the league in free-throw attempts. He is averaging 9.1 attempts per game so far this season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander extended his 20+ point streak to 131 games after the Thunder registered a convincing 132-111 victory over the Washington Wizards at the Capital One Arena on Saturday night.
The Thunder sit at the top of the Western Conference standings with a 56-15 record. The win extended their winning streak to 11 games.
SGA scored a game-high 40 points to go along with three rebounds and seven assists in under 32 minutes of action. He had an efficient night as well, as he shot at 63% from the field and made one out of his two 3-pointers.
With Luka Doncic playing some of the best basketball of his career over the last two weeks, he has pulled himself back into the MVP race. Hence, a 40-point game was much needed for the Canadian international. SGA remains on course for his second consecutive MVP award.
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