Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

“It’s Easy To Talk When You’re Up” – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Clears the Air After Smiling During OKC’s Game 3 Loss

Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Denver Nuggets pulled off another upset against the OKC Thunder. No one expected them to win game three after the game 2 performance. However, Jokic’s side defied expectations again and provided a huge blow to OKC. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who had an average game, walked out after the game with his head held high.

The 26-year-old was also seen smiling when the camera panned at him during the overtime loss on Friday. On the other hand, his teammates were demotivated and held their heads down in disappointment over the loss. Social media was quick to pick the clip and used it to push narrative against SGA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was SMILING as he walked off the court after the Game 3 defeat 👀

(via @espn)pic.twitter.com/iD5EVHU48Q
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 10, 2025

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However, clarifying the incident, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Some fans were taunting me. I know how the game goes. I know how life is. It’s easy to talk when you’re up. And I don’t ever want to show them defeat, or that I’m mad, or anything like that.”

Opposition fans in different arenas throughout the NBA season have hurled chants of Free Throw Merchant on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But the player has always kept his calm and never reacted. The forward is leading the race for the MVP award after averaging 32.7 points with an FG percent of 51.9.

SGA Remains Hopeful Despite Series Setback

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the post match conference also spoke briefly about his side’s performance and the chances in the series. The forward believes that the performance on Friday was not up to the mark. But despite trailing in the series while on a road trip, Shai is optimistic of an opportunity.

SGA went on to score 18 points in Oklahoma’s game three loss. He did so with a disappointing FG accuracy of 7-of-22. Moreover, in the crucial stage of Overtime, Shai couldn’t attempt a single shot. The Denver Nuggets did their job by preventing the Canadian from having any shot. This turned out to be crucial for the home side’s victory.

Aaron Gordon came clutch in the last stages of the game once again. He hit three points to level the game and take it to overtime. Gordon also scored a three pointer dagger in the dying minutes of OT to take the series lead again. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a similar way will need to be clutch when his team needs it most.