Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name alongside a basketball legend Monday night, tying Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 126 consecutive games with at least 20 points. The reigning MVP reached the milestone with a third-quarter 3-pointer against the Denver Nuggets, continuing a remarkable run of consistent scoring prowess. Gilgeous-Alexander now has an opportunity to break the record Thursday when the Thunder host the Boston Celtics.
The streak, which began on November 1, 2024, demonstrates an exceptional level of sustained performance. Gilgeous-Alexander’s ability to consistently identify the basket has propelled him to the forefront of the league, solidifying his status as one of the NBA’s premier offensive threats. The consistency of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring is a key factor in the Thunder’s success this season.
Chamberlain originally set the record between 1961 and 1963, a testament to his own dominant scoring ability. His streak included a season where he scored 20 or more points in every game, highlighted by his iconic 100-point performance in 1962. Chamberlain’s streak ended on January 20, 1963, after only playing four minutes against the St. Louis Hawks, according to historical records.
Nuggets coach David Adelman acknowledged the significance of the moment before the game, stating, “The name that he is up there with is Wilt. If you love this game, you should love the history of it. And for him and for Wilt, to talk about him again and again and again on his records — it just says a lot about Shai’s career, the consistency that he’s shown over the years.”
Gilgeous-Alexander finished Monday’s game with 35 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. He shot 14-of-21 from the field, showcasing his all-around offensive impact. The Thunder secured a 129-126 victory over the Nuggets, improving their NBA-best record to 51-15.
This season, Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.6 points per game, entering Monday’s contest ranked second in the league in scoring, as reported by USA Today. He has recorded five games with at least 50 points during his current streak, including a career-high 55 points against the Indiana Pacers earlier this season. His last game with fewer than 20 points was on October 30, 2024, against the San Antonio Spurs, where he scored 18.
A Look at the Historic Streak
Gilgeous-Alexander’s consistency has been remarkable throughout this run. He scored 17 points in the first half of Monday’s game, demonstrating his ability to consistently contribute offensively. The Thunder, despite being without three starters due to injury – Jalen Williams (right hamstring strain), Chet Holmgren (flu), and Isaiah Hartenstein (left calf contusion) – relied heavily on Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, and playmaking.
Chamberlain’s Record and Its Legacy
Wilt Chamberlain’s record, set over six decades ago, has long been considered one of the most unbreakable in the NBA. His dominance during the early 1960s was unparalleled, and his scoring feats continue to amaze fans and players alike. Yahoo Sports details the historical context of Chamberlain’s achievement, highlighting the different era of basketball in which it was accomplished.
The Thunder’s upcoming game against the Boston Celtics on Thursday presents Gilgeous-Alexander with the opportunity to surpass Chamberlain and establish a new standard for scoring consistency in the NBA. The game is scheduled to be broadcast on Amazon Prime, offering a national audience to witness a potential historic moment.
As Gilgeous-Alexander continues to build on his impressive career, his pursuit of Chamberlain’s record serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the game’s greatest players and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the NBA.
What are your thoughts on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s incredible streak? Share your comments below and join the conversation!
