Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks silence on Anthony Edwards' jab

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is aiming to deliver another championship to the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, but off the court, he's also looking to drive sales. 

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder remain undefeated through three games, but an off-court feud has emerged between the reigning MVP and Minnesota Timberwolves superstar Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards. 

The two star guards are not only rivals on the court but also faces of competing shoe brands. Gilgeous-Alexander represents Converse and released his first signature shoe, the SHAI 001, earlier this fall, while Edwards is one of adidas’ biggest names, having launched his second signature sneaker around the same time. 

MORE: No, Tyrese Haliburton didn't call Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 'insufferable'

A rivalry beyond basketball adds another layer

The two met in the conference finals last season, when the Thunder defeated the Timberwolves in just five games. Following the series victory, Converse released a video featuring an ant — a subtle jab at Edwards — with the words “Nothing left 2 say?” displayed on the screen. 

Not hard 2 believe. @shaiglalex is headed to the Finals. pic.twitter.com/v8mVYxeaPM

Edwards later promised a response during an interview with Complex in September, and adidas delivered one. In a new promo video for adidas, comedian and actor Katt Williams praised Gilgeous-Alexander's play on the court, but he took a swipe at his sneakers. 

“He's doin’ his thing,” Williams said. “But he's lucky his game is as smooth as his little poems, because them shoes? No, thank you. The game left that brand behind for a reason.” 

Warning: The following video contains NSFW language. 

Attention player haters and disbelievers of all kinds… pic.twitter.com/5tzoBwvUZ4

Following Saturday's 117-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks, Gilgeous-Alexander offered a calm reaction to the video, according to Clemente Almanza of USA Today. 

“It's the business of marketing. You talk about things that are hot and are going to get clicks to get clicks yourself,” he said. “So I completely understand it. It's all fun and games, though. It doesn't impact my sales, if you guys can't tell.”

While the off-court feud may be all fun and games, the on-court battle promises to be just as entertaining. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will face Edwards and the Timberwolves on Nov. 26, with Minnesota looking for a bit of redemption.

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