The Oklahoma City Thunder dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their series in the Western Conference semifinals, pulling away in the second half to cruise to a 108-90 victory. Reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn't have the best shooting night on Tuesday, but he scored 18 points to help the Thunder to a series-opening win.
Through the first three quarters of Game 2 on Thursday, Gilgeous-Alexander shot the ball well from the floor and was able to find himself at the free-throw line frequently. However, he also had some foul trouble through the first 30 minutes of game time.
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Gilgeous-Alexander's fourth foul of the night came just 1:26 into the second half, as he locked up the arm of Lakers guard Austin Reaves off the ball, forcing the referees to blow the whistle.
After the play was reviewed, the foul on Gilgeous-Alexander was upgraded to a Flagrant 1 foul.
In what was his 582nd game, this was the first time in Gilgeous-Alexander's career that he had been assessed a flagrant foul in the regular season or playoffs.
Flagrant 1 fouls do not warrant any extra automatic discipline from the NBA after the game concludes. However, if Gilgeous-Alexander were to be assessed another Flagrant 1 foul during Game 2, he would be ejected from the game and would face a minimum fine of $2,000, according to the NBA's official rulebook.
Although he will not be automatically punished for this foul against Reaves, the NBA has the right to investigate the foul further after the game concludes to assess whether any additional discipline is necessary.
