Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reveals a look at the smile that went viral after the Nuggets loss

After the defeat of Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, Thunder All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gave someone a smile fans will never forget. Gilgeous-Alexander’s smile went viral in the playoffs. How often do you see a player smile as he walks off the field in the final moments of an overtime playoff loss? Plus, coming from Shai, a soft-spoken, well-bred and quiet killer player, it looked cool.

It’s like he sent a message to the Nuggets and their fans saying he’s not worried. However, this was not the case. Gilgeous-Alexander revealed it was in reaction to an excited Nuggets fan in the stands who waved goodbye like the series was the best of 3, Gilgeous-Alexander recalled, according to Netflix’s Starting 5.

“On leaving the field, the fan is like waving to me, like, ‘Goodbye.’ He said something like ‘Goodbye’ or ‘It’s over for you guys,’ and some gestures,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And I couldn’t help but laugh. It was funny to me because I just know there is so much basketball to be played. He doesn’t understand that, and he shouldn’t – he’s a fan. Now you can cheer and laugh, but we’re the better basketball team, and it’s going to show.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder responded to a 113-104 overtime loss with a tough 92-87 road victory in Game 4. With momentum on their side, Oklahoma City returned home to grab its first lead in the best-of-7 series in Game 5 at the Paycom Center, where it eliminated the Thunder7 in a game.

Paul Pierce’s ‘crazy’ Kobe Bryant takes on Thunder’s SGA

Thunder All Star Shai Giljus-Alexander’s championship streak has made Hall of Fame forward Paul Pierce a believer, drawing comparisons to Kobe Bryant ahead of the upcoming season. Pierce sees Bryant in the Gilgeous-Alexander aura and he wasn’t afraid to call it.

Pierce addressed Gilgeous-Alexander’s Kobe to accessby the Shai Shai Club with Shannon Sharpe.

“He’s like Kobe, kid. I know it sounds crazy, but it’s just like — he’s shifty, he gets to that midrange. He’s got footwork, pump fakes,” Pierce said. “Man, I’m telling you – Kobe.”

Gilgeous-Alexander often mentioned Bryant as his favorite player growing up. SGA also revealed its desire to surpass the late five-time champion ahead of defending its first championship in 2025-26.