Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Makes History, Surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA Record

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder etched his name into NBA history Thursday night, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points. The Canadian guard reached the milestone in a 104-102 victory over the Boston Celtics, extending his streak to 127 games. This remarkable achievement breaks a record that stood for 63 years, solidifying Gilgeous-Alexander’s place among the league’s all-time greats.

The pivotal moment came during the third quarter, with 7:04 remaining, when Gilgeous-Alexander calmly sank a jump shot from near the top of the key. The Paycom Center erupted as fans recognized the significance of the basket. Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 35 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, shooting an efficient 13-of-18 from the field. His performance underscored not just his scoring prowess, but his all-around impact on the game.

A Record Built on Consistency

Chamberlain originally set the record between October 1961 and January 1963, averaging an astonishing 49.2 points per game during the streak. Gilgeous-Alexander’s average of 32.5 points per game over his 127-game run, which began on November 1, 2024, demonstrates a different, yet equally impressive, form of consistency. While Chamberlain’s streak was fueled by sheer scoring volume, Gilgeous-Alexander’s is a testament to his well-rounded game and sustained excellence.

“A record is nice, but it doesn’t imply anything if we don’t win,” Gilgeous-Alexander told Amazon after the game. “I probably wouldn’t have the streak if we weren’t winning. I know that and I understand that. It’s why you play the game. I was crying when I was nine years vintage because I lost an (Ontario Basketball Association) championship. You don’t want to lose. The streak is the streak. The awards are the awards. But the thing I’m most proud of is winning.”

Before Gilgeous-Alexander’s run, Chamberlain too held the second-longest streak at 92 games. No other player in NBA history has even reached 100 consecutive 20-point games. Legends like Oscar Robertson (79 games), Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant (72 games each), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (71 games), Kobe Bryant (63 games), and LeBron James (49 games) all fall short of Gilgeous-Alexander’s new benchmark.

The Rise of “SGA”

Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent to superstardom has been rapid. He was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2025 and earned Finals MVP honors, leading the Thunder to a championship victory over the Indiana Pacers in a thrilling seven-game series. His game is characterized by explosive drives, sharp changes of direction, and a refined mid-range jumper, making him a difficult matchup for any defender.

The 27-year-old’s journey is particularly inspiring, having been raised in Hamilton, Ontario, by his mother, Charmaine Gilgeous-Alexander, a former Olympic track and field athlete who competed for Antigua and Barbuda at the 1992 Barcelona Games. She later transitioned to a career as a social worker.

Beyond Oklahoma City: NBA Standings and Notable Performances

The Thunder’s victory over the Celtics further solidifies their position atop the Western Conference standings. Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are considered strong contenders for the NBA championship in June.

Elsewhere in the league on Thursday, Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks delivered a spectacular performance, scoring a career-high 51 points (17-of-31 shooting) with 10 rebounds and 9 assists in a 142-130 win over the Chicago Bulls. Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, fresh off an 83-point performance earlier in the week, contributed 21 points and 8 rebounds in a 112-105 victory against the Milwaukee Bucks. Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a 123-108 win over the Indiana Pacers with 43 points, while the Pacers debuted their newly acquired center, Ivica Zubac, who scored 8 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement isn’t necessarily considered among the most monumental in NBA history – alongside milestones like LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s all-time scoring record in February 2023 – but it undeniably underscores his consistency and growing legacy within the league.

What’s Next for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder?

The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue their pursuit of the top seed in the Western Conference. Their next game is scheduled for Sunday, March 16th, against the Denver Nuggets at 8:00 PM MST (10:00 PM EST/02:00 UTC March 17th). Fans can follow updates and watch games on the NBA League Pass and through official team channels.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic streak is a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to winning. As he continues to lead the Thunder, he is poised to develop into one of the defining players of his generation.

What do you think about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record? Share your thoughts in the comments below!