Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Edge Past Jokic, Nuggets in Thrilling Duel
OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continued his historic scoring streak and delivered a clutch game-winning shot with two seconds remaining, lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The contest, a showcase of two of the NBA’s reigning MVP candidates, lived up to its billing as a back-and-forth affair decided in the final moments.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 15 assists, remarkably without a single turnover. His performance further solidifies his position in the MVP conversation, a race he won last season and is poised to contend in again this year against Nikola Jokic, a three-time MVP (2021, 2022, and 2024). But the night was about more than just the win; it was about history.
SGA Ties Wilt’s Unbreakable Record
With a step-back three-pointer in the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander matched Wilt Chamberlain’s NBA record of 126 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. While not necessarily the most prominent of Chamberlain’s many records, this streak underscores the consistency and scoring prowess of the 27-year-old Canadian, who led the Thunder to their first championship last season.
Gilgeous-Alexander has the opportunity to break the record outright on Thursday when the Thunder host the Boston Celtics. The chance to surpass a legend in front of his home crowd adds another layer of excitement to an already highly anticipated matchup.
Jokic Fights Back, But Falls Short
Despite the loss, Nikola Jokic was dominant, posting 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. Provided a spark off the bench with 28 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance and a determined Thunder team.
The Nuggets battled back from a deficit, with Jokic hitting a three-pointer with 1:05 remaining to cut the lead to three points. He then converted a hook shot with 31 seconds left to bring Denver within one. However, Oklahoma City responded, and the game ultimately came down to Gilgeous-Alexander’s final shot.
A Physical Contest with a History
The game wasn’t without its physicality. Luguentz Dort of the Thunder was involved in a questionable play, swinging his arm into the face of Jokic during the fourth quarter. This incident is the latest in a recent history of tense encounters between the two teams. Just ten days prior, Dort and Jokic were involved in an altercation following a similar play.
With 13 seconds remaining, Gilgeous-Alexander, typically known for his mid-range game and drives to the basket, created space with a dribble against Christian Braun and drained a three-pointer to give the Thunder a four-point lead. Jokic answered with another three-pointer, and a foul on Jaylin Williams during a Jamal Murray screen sent Jokic to the free-throw line, where he made both shots to tie the game with eight seconds left, setting the stage for Gilgeous-Alexander’s game-winner.
“I just tried to get to a spot where I was comfortable,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game.
“These are great opponents, they won a championship, they have talent, a good coach, good systems. Playing against them brings out the best in us, that’s the kind of basketball we want to play late in the season,” Gilgeous-Alexander added.
Playoff Rematch Vibes
The two teams had already delivered a memorable playoff series last year, with the Thunder prevailing 4-3 in the Western Conference Semifinals. Monday’s game felt like a playoff preview, showcasing the intensity and high stakes that both teams are expected to play with down the stretch.
With a record of 51 wins and 15 losses, the Thunder currently lead the Western Conference and appear to be firmly in control of the top seed. The Nuggets, at 39-26, are sixth in the West but remain in a tight race for playoff positioning within a competitive group.
Monday’s NBA Results:
Brooklyn – Memphis 126 – 115
LA Clippers – Latest York 126 – 118
Utah – Golden State 119 – 116
Cleveland – Philadelphia 115 – 101
Oklahoma City – Denver 129 – 126
The Oklahoma City Thunder will look to continue their impressive form when they face the Boston Celtics on Thursday, with Gilgeous-Alexander aiming to etch his name further into NBA history. Fans can catch all the action live on national television and streaming platforms.
