May 27, 2026 - Sports

Meet the Spurs fan behind the viral "Best Flopper" trophy

Madalyn Mendoza

A woman with blond hair raises a gold Oscar statue above her head, wearing a striped black-and-white jacket and colorful bracelets, with a blurred crowd in the background. — Nikki Swift and her makeshift trophy. Photo: Alex Slitz/Getty Images

The flopping debate has dominated the Western Conference finals — and one Spurs fan found a viral way to weigh in.

Catch up quick: Nikki Swift sat courtside during Game 4 and held a miniature Oscars-style trophy labeled "Best Flopper," waving it every time an Oklahoma City Thunder player — especially Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — hit the floor trying to draw a foul.

Photos of Swift quickly became one of the game's viral storylines, alongside the now-famous Salesian sisters.

What they're saying: "I was sitting courtside during Game 3 and was incredibly frustrated with the calls — as I'm sure every other Spurs and NBA fan was," Swift tells Axios. "I instantly got on my phone and ordered the trophy. I rarely taunt players courtside, but this just felt too funny not to do."

Swift says she's received support from Spurs fans and other basketball fans who are "over OKC's flopping as well."

What's next: The Spurs face a do-or-die game Thursday night at the Frost Bank Center. Swift won't be there because of travel, but fans can rest assured that others will be ready to pick up the slack.

Tipoff is at 7:30pm.

Add Axios on Google

Meet the Spurs fan behind the viral "Best Flopper" trophy

More San Antonio stories