Thunder Check the game late
The Oklahoma City Thunder earned a convincing 119-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, powered by another strong night from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The All-Star guard finished with 31 points and controlled the pace in the closing minutes. Oklahoma City broke up late, leaned on defense and closed the door without much trouble.
Yet one moment stood out more than the score.
The series that attracted attention
Late in the fourth quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander created space with a step back. He grabbed the ball, straightened his feet and continued the game without blowing the whistle. Many viewers believed that his feet entered the traveling area.
The officials allowed the game to continue and Oklahoma City retained possession. Replays quickly circulated online and fans broke down the move frame by frame. The series became one of the most talked about moments of the evening, even with the outcome already leaning heavily towards the Thunder.
SGA FROM THE GLASS TO HIMSELF FOR THE DIME 🔥
Skill level on another planet 🪐 pic.twitter.com/lPXlx9xgU9
— NBA (@NBA) December 23, 2025
Why the game matters
Traveling calls remain one of the most talked about topics in the NBA. Modern scorers rely on steps back, hesitations and rallies that test the limits of the rule book. Gilgeous-Alexander thrives in that space, using patience and poise to keep defenders guessing.
Some fans believed that the measure seemed legal under today’s interpretation. Others felt that the extra shaking should have resulted in a whistle. The disagreement highlighted how difficult these calls become at full speed, especially when elite players push the margins.
League response and public response
What further fueled the debate was the response from the league itself. The NBA’s social channels later shared the clip as a highlight, praising Gilgeous-Alexander’s skill and creativity. That choice attracted attention and divided opinions even further.
Critics wondered why a controversial piece was promoted. Supporters responded by pointing out the guard’s overall body control and feel for the game. Regardless, the moment continued to put a spotlight on official standards.
Bigger picture for Gilgeous-Alexander
This piece doesn’t change the larger story of Shai’s season. He continues to put up MVP-level numbers and anchor one of the fastest rising teams in the league. His scoring efficiency, calm approach and ability to close games define Oklahoma City’s success.
The debate says less about him and more about what the NBA calls the game today. As defenders struggle to contain elite creators, officials must assess footwork in real time, often without replay assistance.
Plays like this will continue to attract attention. As long as stars operate on the edge of the rules, conversations about consistency will follow at every big moment.
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