OKLAHOMA CITY — The Thunder remain perfect in their quest for consecutive championships, following a Game 2 victory over the Lakers on Thursday night. However, the spotlight has shifted away from the win, as opposing fans flood social media accusing Thunder players of excessive flopping while claiming referees overlook the issue.
Those we spoke with Friday unanimously agree that the defending champions’ dominant playoff start is fueling the online criticism, a villainous role they willingly embrace.
“I think the best teams are always going to be the best, and they’re going to draw hate regardless,” said Thunder fan Nathan Dominick.
Greatness comes at a price.
“You know you’re successful when you start becoming the villain,” said Jerry Ramsey, radio host on The Franchise.
That dynamic appears to be unfolding for the Thunder as they open the playoffs at 6-0. On social media, critics label the team’s play as “excessive flopping.”
“It wouldn’t be a topic if they were beating the Thunder on a regular basis,” Ramsey added. “No one talked about Shai flopping a couple of years ago when they were winning 24 or 25 games.”
“There’s no foul baiting—he’s drawing the foul,” said Thunder fan Damoron Green. “You know, they’re touching, slapping, grabbing his arm.”
Thunder fans we spoke to reject the accusations but acknowledge that such criticism follows elite teams.
“We had the same complaints about the Golden State Warriors back in the 2016, 2017, 2018 series,” Dominick recalled. “Same thing with early LeBron years in Miami.”
Fans see embracing the villain role as an opportunity.
“It’s more like admiration—a good thing for the whole team, a way to push ourselves even harder and perform better,” Dominick said.
Our “Share with 4” poll on Friday asked fans what they thought of the officiating in the Thunder-Lakers series so far. A resounding 75% gave it a thumbs down, while 25% approved.
