NBA fans react to controversial foul as Thunder defeat the Timberwolves in Game 4

The Oklahoma City Thunder moved one win away from the Western Conference Finals after edging out the Minnesota Timberwolves 128–126 in Game 4, taking a 3–1 series lead. But instead of the on-court drama stealing the spotlight, a controversial foul call involving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards became the talk of the NBA world.

With under a minute to play and the game hanging in the balance, Gilgeous-Alexander appeared to draw contact while chasing a pass. The officials whistled Edwards for the foul, awarding SGA free throws in a pivotal moment that ultimately sealed the Thunder’s win.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s averaging 9.5 free-throw attempts per game this postseason, among the highest in the league, has made a living at the line. But this particular call sparked heated debate across social media and sports talk shows alike.

Fans sound off on the call

Video of the incident quickly circulated online, igniting passionate reactions. Many fans questioned the legitimacy of the foul and accused Gilgeous-Alexander of exaggerating the contact. “Give SGA an Oscar and take back his MVP, pls,” one fan wrote on X, earning thousands of likes.

Others came to Gilgeous-Alexander’s defense. “Ant literally hip-checked SGA and you think it wasn’t a foul?” another user posted. Some even suggested the backlash was rooted more in frustration than fact: “This is how delusional Timberwolves fans are,” a fan replied under the clip.

Not everyone bought into the call, or Gilgeous-Alexander’s reaction. “MVF. Most Valuable Flopper,” one post read. Another wrote: “It’s so bad. OKC has no shame and the NBA just supports it.”

Edwards responds to Game 4 loss

Despite the uproar, Edwards didn’t pin the loss on officiating. The Timberwolves star faced reporters after the game and kept his focus on execution, not controversy.

“I don’t think we struggled, and I don’t think I struggled,” Edwards said postgame. “They just had a good game. They got the ball from us. I don’t think I made bad shots to say I struggled. That’s just my opinion.”

With Game 5 looming, the Timberwolves will need more than just a better whistle to extend the series. The Thunder, fueled by clutch performances and a rising MVP, are one win away from punching their ticket to the conference finals.