Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Shane Gillis Takes Dig at Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Caitlin Clark at ESPY Awards 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won top honors at ESPY Awards 2025.

Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Actor and comedian Shane Gillis took hilarious digs at NBA star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and WNBA’s Caitlin Clark. The occasion was ESPY Awards 2025 and Gills was invited to give the opening monologue and host the prestigious award ceremony. During his performance, the Tires star had the audience erupting in laughter as he didn’t spare even President Donald Trump in his speech.

He talked about 2025 NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his monologue and took a jibe at him around his constant criticism to draw fouls and being called a ‘foul artist’. In the recent past season, SGA averaged 8.0 free-throws in 8.9 attempts per game, and is third in most free throw attempts in the NBA regular season. Gillis said, “SGA is here and now everybody around him is in foul trouble.”

Comedian Shan Gillis ROASTED Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at the 2025 ESPYs 👀🎤

“SGA is here… and now everybody around him is in foul trouble.” 😂

Thoughts? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hX1n4softv
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) July 17, 2025

Not only this, but he also talked about the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark and said, “When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist-fighting black women.” Gillis remarks around Clark come due to the fact that the 23-year-old has been under heavy scrutiny this season. Apart from her shooting struggles, Clark has displayed poor body language and unsportsmanlike behavior on the court, engaging in on-field arguments with referees and fellow players. ‘

"When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she's going to work at a waffle house so she can continue doing what she loves most: fist fighting black women"

— Shane Gillis 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/X45GWByr6o
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) July 17, 2025

While Gillis may have trolled the players due to their on-court shenanigans, he definitely left the audience in splits.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Wins Best Male Athlete Award at 2025 ESPYs

The Oklahoma City Thunder star was named the Best Male Athlete at 2025 ESPY Awards. He received the honor following his extraordinary campaign in the 2024-25 NBA season, where he not only led the Thunder to their first (second overall) NBA championship, but also won the MVP and Finals MVP as well as scoring title. He finished the season with an average of 32.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game, while shooting 51.9% from the field.

"I wanna thank my teammates. Best basketball team in the world, and they earned that. They deserved that. I love you guys too, not as much as the other guys, but I love you guys too."

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to his teammates 🙌pic.twitter.com/XYbvUW5Atm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 17, 2025

Not only this, but he also set a franchise best streak of 72 consecutive games with 20+ points. Later, in the playoffs, he scored at least 30 points and five assists in 12 games. In his acceptance speech, the Canadian star thanked his teammates and said, “I want to thank my teammates. Best basketball team in the world.” He added, “It’s a dream come true. To achieve your dreams, it takes a village and my village has been nothing short of special since the start of this journey.”

Apart from him, Caitlin Clark, Cooper Flagg, JuJu Watkins, Oscar Robertson, etc. were among the basketball players who won awards on Wednesday.

Caitlin Clark

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.