On Thursday, October 30th, at around 7:45 pm, superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's home was broken into while the OKC Thunder were busy squaring off against the Washington Wizards.
Concern over the growing number of celebrity houses being targeted has been mounting, but SGA had this to say about the ordeal:
"Long story short, everybody's safe. That's all that really matters. Everything else will come and go," Gilgeous-Alexander said.
Thunder star displays elite mental maturity following home break-in
It might be impossible to remember a time when he showed anything less than outstanding character. Even regarding a sensitive issue that deservedly should have anyone on edge, Shai reminded everyone what truly matters.
A person's house is sacred. It contains valuables, private possessions, and memories. When someone breaks in, it not only puts precious items in danger but also sparks a personal feeling of violation.
Yet, here we are, listening to the Thunder cornerstone put some perspective on material possessions.
This is more than a quote. It's a representation of values.
Not every 27-year-old is capable of maintaining such a level of perspective when it comes to such matters.
The NBA is notoriously a feeding ground for drama and theatrics.
Just this past weekend, we saw Grizzlies star Ja Morant get suspended for throwing his coaching staff under the bus for something as minuscule as an early-season loss.
This is why not everyone can be a champion. It requires maturity beyond years, and not everyone is willing to engage in such discipline.
Shai didn't turn into one of the best players in the world solely by using his physical tools.
Dating back to the now-famous "My whole life is consistent" quote, Thunder fans have had a front row seat to SGA's work ethic and aspirational character.
It was why he was able to finish last year's regular season with 73 consecutive 20-plus-point games, and it's why he posted the highest plus-minus rating in the NBA in five years.
More importantly, however, it's a huge reason why the Thunder are undefeated without two members of their Big Three.
The quote represents an intangible aspect that can't be quantified. True leaders command respect. They don't demand it.
We don't always know what characteristics make us want to follow a person, but we know them when we see them.
Shai's ability to consistently keep a level head and maintain the humility of a player in the G-League while at the top of his game in the NBA is an integral part of why this Thunder team can get its entire roster moving in the same direction night in and night out.
This season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has picked back up where he left off last year, as he's averaging 33.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists in his first seven games of 2025-26.
He's scored less than 30 points just once and leads the team in a number of statistical categories.
SGA and company head to the West Coast this week, where they begin a four-game stint with back-to-back games against the LA Clippers and the surprisingly dominant Portland Trail Blazers.