Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is foul-baiting, and Nikola Jokic is falling for it, at least NBA fans are convinced of this.
Recently, basketball fans are on a lengthy rant throughout the OKC Thunder-Denver Nuggets Conference Semifinals. After each game, their frustration grew with how the league is officiating the games.
Though it was not only the fans in the arena or on social media who were off with the NBA’s bias toward the two superstars.
David Adelman, the head coach of the Denver Nuggets, also didn’t hold back his frustration after the team’s recent game against the Thunder.
Shai: Drew a shooting foul on Nikola Jokic after putting up a shot after the contact
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 11, 2025
Nikola Jokic on the next possession: Referees called a foul on the floor after putting up a shot after the contact (Jokic shot-free-throws because of the bonus) 👀
Did the referees get it… pic.twitter.com/AYAe8cTBDp
Adelman especially targeted Gilgeous-Alexander for drawing fouls. He referred to this tactic as “foul-baiting,” and he also raised some concerns about how referees were officiating his own star player, Jokic.
“You hope there is a give and take. If Shai’s allowed to use his off arm, which he’s very good at, you hope that they’ll allow us to at least have some impact with his body. It goes both ways. The guy is so hard to guard, regardless,” said Adelman.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
The discussion about officiating has been a common theme among Nuggets players, especially in light of how Jokic has been treated on the court. While the team has had some complaints in the past, they might have a harder time arguing their case after Game 4.
NBA Fans Upset With League Over Double Standard In Officiating
In Game 4, which ended in a frustrating 92-87 loss for the Nuggets, it might seem like NBA officials favored them in terms of foul calls. They went to the free-throw line significantly more than the Thunder.
Jokic had 14 attempts from the line, surpassing Gilgeous-Alexander’s 12, though the Thunder guard did miss three.
Ultimately, the Nuggets seemed to lose their grip in the fourth quarter, letting a six-point lead slip away as the Thunder rallied with some impressive three-pointers.
However, fans on the internet were rallying behind the NBA for handling things differently for different players.
“NBA ruining the game!” a fan commented.
@NBAOfficial ruining the game!
— L A R R Y (@genX_dad) May 11, 2025
“Only delusional OKC fans will continue to deny how lopsided SGA’s whistle is..” another fan wrote.
Only delusional OKC fans will continue to deny how lopsided SGA’s whistle is..
— Kingme (@callmeKING_44) May 12, 2025
“Yeah, nah. Refs are terrible,” a third one added.
Yeah, nah. Refs are terrible.
— Andi B&W Ⓜ️ (@andiblue211) May 12, 2025
“It’s crazy how fried these 2nd round games are,” another one wrote.
It’s crazy how fried these 2nd round games are
— Rosie (@ytRosie) May 11, 2025
“Not the best clip. Shai was on his last step. No debate. Jokic did a quick gather after the bump. These are always 50/50 depending on the ref,” a user noted.
Not the best clip. Shai was on his last step. No debate. Jokic did a quick gather after the bump. These are always 50/50 depending on the ref.
— LG (@AutoBahnLG) May 12, 2025
However, things on the Nuggets’ end were a little mixed up as well. It became evident that relying solely on Jokic for offense wasn’t sustainable. Especially when he was struggling to find his shot.
Nikola Jokic Gives His Honest Take On “Free Throw Merchant” Chants During Nuggets’ Win Over Thunder
