Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked off the floor at the Target Center with 35 points on 12-of-26 shooting – and a loss that stung more than usual.

Not so much because of the standings, but because of how it unfolded. Oklahoma City had control of the game, then watched it slip away late amid mistakes, missed rebounds, and a more composed Minnesota team, led by Anthony Edwards when it mattered most.

For long stretches, though, the game belonged to Shai. He dictated the pace like the unquestioned leader he has become: attacking off the dribble, punishing defensive switches, and creating tough buckets whenever the Thunder offense stalled. He shot efficiently, bent the defense, and kept OKC afloat even as the game grew choppy and physical.

After the game, attention inevitably shifted to the free throws: 47 for Minnesota, 30 for OKC. A stat that reignited the familiar debate about whistles and whether the Thunder benefit from a so-called “friendly whistle.” Shai, however, shut it down without looking for excuses.

I don’t care. Not even a little bit. I can’t control how the refs call the game, I never could. I’ve never been a referee. The only thing I can control is playing basketball, and that’s the only thing I focus on. Trying to win games and win championships.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

It’s a response that perfectly captures both the Thunder’s moment and SGA’s mindset. Oklahoma City has lost two of its last three games – including the NBA Cup semifinal against Wembanyama’s Spurs – after an almost flawless start, but it hasn’t lost its sense of direction. Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t searching for outside explanations or re-litigating games through officiating.

The loss to Minnesota hurts, especially with a late mistake of his own that proved costly. But for Shai, the real responsibility lies elsewhere: keeping the team aligned even on off nights. Everything else – whistles and debates included – is just background noise.