Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may have politely declined an opponent’s postgame gesture after Saturday’s matchup.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star led his team with a game-high 22 points in a 106-94 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Following the game, the TV broadcast captured Hornets forward Miles Bridges appearing to request a jersey swap, a common tradition among NBA players.
Bridges began removing his jersey, but Gilgeous-Alexander pointed elsewhere and explained something, prompting Bridges to nod and walk away. The interaction can be seen in a video of the moment.
The reason for Gilgeous-Alexander’s response is unclear—it could simply be that he had already promised his jersey to a fan. However, the incident drew attention due to Bridges’ controversial reputation.
Drafted one spot after Gilgeous-Alexander in 2018, Bridges has faced significant legal troubles, including a 2022 felony domestic violence arrest and a 2023 arrest for violating a protective order.
While Bridges avoided prison time by pleading no contest in the 2022 case and later had his 2023 charges dropped, his past legal issues have made him an unpopular figure among fans.
Whether Bridges’ history influenced Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision remains uncertain, but the moment has sparked speculation.