How the Oklahoma City Thunder became the NBA’s villains
The Oklahoma City Thunder have become the most disliked team in the NBA, with fans criticizing their playing style. Accusations of flopping and overly aggressive defense have fueled this animosity, particularly towards their star player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite their success as reigning champions, many fans believe the Thunder's tactics are ruining the game.
- ▪The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the most hated team in the NBA.
- ▪Critics accuse the Thunder of flopping and playing overly aggressive defense.
- ▪Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the team's star player, is often at the center of these accusations.
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CultureHow the Oklahoma City Thunder became the NBA’s villains Why basketball fans hate the best team in the leagueby Alex Abad-SantosMay 22, 2026, 10:15 AM UTCShareGiftThis was probably a foul. NBAE via Getty ImagesAlex Abad-Santos is a senior correspondent who explains what society obsesses over, from Marvel and movies to fitness and skin care. He came to Vox in 2014. Prior to that, he worked at The Atlantic.There are few things NBA fans can agree on. Is Michael Jordan or LeBron James the greatest player of all time? Do the Boston Celtics have the greatest legacy, or does that belong to the Los Angeles Lakers? Who’s the best player to never win a championship? These questions spur debates that have existed perhaps before some people reading this were born, and they certainly will…
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