After Thunder’s Defeat, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gave an Explanation for His Smile

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the star guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, grinned broadly as he left the court immediately following the team’s 113-104 overtime defeat to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the conference semifinals on Friday night. It was a little strange to watch Gilgeous-Alexander in such an apparently upbeat state after the Thunder, who scored two points in overtime overall, had just lost.

His behavior even angered some followers on social media. Gilgeous-Alexander told reporters after the game that he was grinning because he was being jeered by fans as he left the floor.

“Some fans were taunting me… It’s easy to taunt when you’re up.”

SGA explains why he was smiling as he walked off the court in Game 3 pic.twitter.com/bGms8Ty7qK

— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 10, 2025

He said: “Some fans were taunting me,”. “And I know how the game goes. I know how life is. It’s easy to taunt when you’re up. And I don’t ever want to show them that I’m defeated or mad or anything like that. Nothing’s written. The series is not over. And we have a lot to be optimistic about.

“I didn’t perform the way I [wanted to] down the stretch but I have an opportunity the next game and the next game after that to make up for it. I’m optimistic about it.”

Gilegous-Alexander made one of eight shots to score three points in the fourth quarter and overtime. Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA’s top scorer and an MVP candidate, failed to score during overtime.

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