Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit with flagrant foul for dangerous move on Austin Reaves

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not having the best of series thus far against the Los Angeles Lakers and his substandard play has continued into Game 2. The Oklahoma City Thunder star has been in foul trouble for most of Game 2, and things just went from bad to worse for the reigning MVP in the third quarter after not only was he whistled for his fourth foul of the game, but he was also hit with a flagrant foul after getting tangled up with Austin Reaves.

With the Lakers leading by two, 63-61, in the early goings of the third, the Thunder were looking to get the ball to Gilgeous-Alexander, who was on an island against Reaves. Reaves was doing his best to deny Gilgeous-Alexander the ball, and the two got tied up. In an effort to wriggle free, Gilgeous-Alexander ended up yanking the arm of Reaves, leading to an offensive foul call.

After a replay review from the officials, this was upgraded to a flagrant foul penalty one for contact that was deemed dangerous and could lead to an injury.

Austin Reaves and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander got tangled together, leaving Reaves in pain.

Shai got a flagrant foul 1 after this play.

Good or bad call? pic.twitter.com/Ejg917ybHQ

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Amid all that mess, Thunder guard Alex Caruso also picked up a technical foul. This gave the Lakers three free throws, all of which Reaves converted to give LA a 66-61 lead.

The Thunder took Gilgeous-Alexander off the floor due to him being in foul trouble, but this exchange only seemed to swing the momentum in OKC’s favor. They have since outscored the Lakers 14-6, as OKC’s depth has shone amid another rough night from Gilgeous-Alexander.

At the time of writing, the Thunder star only has 13 points on 4-9 shooting from the field and 5-7 from the charity stripe. He has three turnovers, and he hasn’t been at his best as he continues to navigate the Lakers’ aggressive coverage against him.

But the Thunder were the best team in the NBA this past season for a reason, and it’s because their depth can help them weather whatever adversity — even a subpar performance from the team’s best player.

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