It's no secret that the OKC Thunder are in unfamiliar territory to begin the 2026-27 season. Now losers of three straight, they currently sit as the ninth seed in the way-too-early Western Conference playoff picture.
For the first time in a long time, the Thunder don't seem to have the wind at their backs. However, superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a humorous interaction with a reporter after Friday's loss, and it should remind everyone why, despite their struggles, this team is going to be just fine.
In the presser, Shai was asked about his zero-assist first half against the Los Angeles Clippers. The reporter claimed it was the first time that had happened in his career. The point guard quickly shut him down, proclaiming the fact to be false.
"That's a false stat, by the way... Game 4 against Indiana, I didn't have an assist the whole game. But sorry, go ahead," Gilgeous-Alexander said with a wry smile on his face.
SGA's uncanny ability indicates Thunder will not be struggling for long
On the surface, it's a throwaway line. A mere correction of a false report done in a polite, professional manner. But on a deeper level, the sentiment also shows the near-photographic memory of one of the best players in the world.
Some of the all-time greats rely on rare physical abilities. Some rely on raw athleticism. But it's clear what foundation SGA has built his game upon: his mind.
Not only did he recognize that the stat was incorrect, but he could name the game and stat line in that proved its falsehood. It's more than just a display of good memory. It's a representation of his studiousness when seeking to improve his game.
SGA's fact check should give solace to Thunder fans worried about a potential collapse
There's a reason why SGA has gotten better every single year he has been in the league. It's because he is too much of a perfectionist to accept anything less.
Even this summer, coming off a year in which he reached historic levels of efficiency, he rounded out his game even more, developing his off-ball skills to become that much more unguardable.
It's well known that the Thunder go wherever SGA goes. If Oklahoma City's leader is this committed to getting better, then his subordinates will be, too.
Though in a slump, the Thunder are still 8-5. All is not lost. Assuming they will get one or more players back from injury before all is said and done, the season is still extremely salvageable.
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