Coco Gauff’s ex-coach, Brad Gilbert, expressed distaste about the Oklahoma City Thunder’s star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s foul-baiting as he helped catapult his team to a win against the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA playoffs. Gilbert also shouted out to the referees for promoting fair play and confirmed rooting for the same over SGA’s free throws.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, popularly known as SGA, is playing in the NBA Finals for the first time. He started strong with scoring a game-high 38 points, but narrowly missed winning Game 1 against the Pacers. In the next game, he led with 34 points in a 123-107 victory, becoming only the 12th player to reach 3,000 points in both the playoffs and the regular season combined.
Despite trailing, the Thunder won Game 4 with SGA’s efforts as he concluded Friday night with 35 points, three rebounds, one block, and three steals. Oklahoma City Thunder toppled the Pacers 111-104 to tie up the series at 2-2. While several NBA fans have been hailing SGA for his offensive brilliance, tennis legend Brad Gilbert didn’t seem impressed with his art of drawing fouls.
Trending
In his X post, Coco Gauff's ex-coach shared that he wouldn't want to watch the same playing style in Game 5, and desired to have the legends back.
"I’m so bummed even thinking this about watching game 5 @NBA but the thought of watching foul hunter SGA is very difficult where is the good old days, bring back Mendy Rudolf to stop this shit not to mention flopping Palming, i,e carrying the ball and euro traveling."
He further praised the referees, who didn't reward the strategical moves of the reigning MVP.
"i got no dog in fight but great to see the refs not rewarding the foul hunter, should be exactly like this in @NBA regular season."
Coco Gauff's ex-coach also wrote:
"The foul hunter is very good player like top 10 but not elite without free throws, and zero assists tonight sticks out, I will continue to root for @NBA refs over free throws."
The Thunder will take the court for Game 5 on Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
SGA came under Coco Gauff's ex-coach Brad Gilbert's attack for foul-baiting in NBA playoffs
Coco Gauff's ex-coach watched SGA play his usual tricks of drawing fouls in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Playoffs. Gilbert also called out Jalen Brunson, who had a similar playing style like Shai. The former tennis player shared a post on X, urging the National Basketball Association to create new rules to bar players to practise foul-hunting.
"It’s really tough watching Shai and Brunson foul hunt and flop like they have been run over by a bus. The NBA needs to look at this in the off-season and make serious rule changes, beyond ridiculous, they are rewarding this type of play in my humble opinion."
Gilbert has multiple Grand Slam quarter-final appearances in his repertoire. Besides Gauff, he coached Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori and Andy Roddick.
