Five games, five wins – and one small mystery surrounding the reigning champions: what happened to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s free throws?

After attempting 26 free throws against Indiana, SGA’s trips to the line suddenly vanished – just two per game over the next three outings, including last night’s 31-point performance in OKC’s 107-101 comeback win over the Kings. The drop hasn’t gone unnoticed – not by Thunder fans, nor by critics of the reigning MVP.

Head coach Mark Daigneault, however, isn’t worried. Instead of blaming the whistles, he’s focused on what his team can control:

It’s early for us, and it’s early for the referees too. We just have to focus on what we can control – and we can’t control how the game is called. So when we step on the court, we try to adjust and respond to the officiating. If a trend starts to show up over multiple games, then maybe I’ll say something.

Mark Daigneault

Translation: no conspiracy theories, no overreactions – just basketball. OKC is winning even when Shai isn’t living at the free-throw line.

Still, it’s hard to ignore the sense that referees have tightened things up after his avalanche of free throws in the opening week – perhaps a natural correction, or maybe an attempt to restore balance.

What’s certain is that few players adapt better than Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Thunder star was instrumental in OKC’s decisive 17-4 run to close out the game, taking over late with his signature mid-range mastery and calm leadership.

So, no panic in Oklahoma City – Shai keeps scoring, and the Thunder keep winning.