The Oklahoma City Thunder, less than a full week ago, seemed like an unbeatable juggernaut that might be on pace to smash the all-time regular-season record set by the Golden State Warriors at 73-9. However, in the week since, reality has caught up to them in a significant way.
Losing two of their last three games, they appear far more mortal. However, a key component to both their losses was the physicality from the other team, and how it matched the Thunder step by step. As a result, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had to clear the air on the “special whistle” narrative after the loss.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes Claim for Referee Fairness
During their run to the top of the NBA, which included winning the first championship in franchise history last year, Oklahoma City has developed a bit of a reputation as a team that sells contact a bit too much.
As a result, they get ticky-tack fouls, allowing them to boost their score and making it harder to defend them. Toeing the line between ethical and taking advantage of the rules has drawn the team a ton of flak on social media.
Gilgeous-Alexander, as the face of the franchise and the reigning MVP, has drawn a majority of the ire, particularly as he seems like the worst arbiter of the “flopping.” However, what makes the situation particularly grating is the reckless abandon with which the Thunder deploy themselves.
Playing a physical brand of basketball on a nightly basis, they can overwhelm opponents with their tenacity and toughness, leading to a defensive rating that is far and away the best in the entire NBA.
But when the whistle doesn’t go their way, it can lead to losses, as evidenced in the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, which they lost 112-107. The free-throw differential, though, was the key, as the Timberwolves shot 17 more free throws (47 vs. 30).
After the game, SGA sat down with reporters to ditch the narrative of a favorable whistle. “I don’t care, not one bit. I can’t control how the refs blow the whistle ever. I’ve never been able to. Never been a ref. All I can do is play basketball, and that’s all I focus on.”
Instead, he made it clear that his sole focus was on one thing only. “Try to win games and win championships.” The statistics, as they are, do not support the argument about the Thunder’s luck with the whistle.
At 24.7 free throw attempts per game, they rank 16th in the league, technically a mark below average. So, while it may be a popular way to poke holes at their greatness on social media, the numbers don’t support the apparent narrative.
