Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Night Takes a Turn

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone on the court, scoring 31 points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder secure a 127-108 victory over the Washington Wizards Thursday night. Yet, amidst his success, reports suggest he may have been targeted by a burglar during the game.

On Friday, police launched an investigation into a reported home invasion linked to Gilgeous-Alexander. Authorities are looking into a property in Nichols Hills, a suburb just north of Oklahoma City, although they haven’t confirmed the home’s owner. It’s still uncertain if any items were stolen.

Officers responded to a call at the residence around 7:45 p.m. A local news channel even broadcast footage of police presence at the scene. In a statement, it was noted that the suspect is currently on the run. “The suspects fled the area before officers could arrive,” the police mentioned, adding that no public threat exists at this time.

This incident resonates with a rise in burglaries targeting professional athletes’ homes recently. Notable victims include Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce from the Kansas City Chiefs, and Joe Burrow from the Cincinnati Bengals. Even NBA stars like Luka Doncic and Bobby Portis have faced similar issues.

Law enforcement has warned sports leagues that thieves are often aware when players are away, especially on game days, which might explain the uptick in these kinds of break-ins. In response, the NBA sent a memo last November suggesting a range of security measures for players, such as installing modern alarm systems, keeping valuables secure, and even considering pet protection.

This season, the Thunder are off to an impressive start at 6-0 and will be returning to the court against the New Orleans Pelicans this Sunday.