Oklahoma City – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into NBA history Monday night, equaling a scoring record that stood for 63 years. The reigning MVP scored at least 20 points for the 126th consecutive game, matching Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary streak established between 1961 and 1963. The milestone came during a thrilling 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets, punctuated by a clutch three-pointer from Gilgeous-Alexander with just 3.3 seconds remaining.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 35 points and a career-high 15 assists, remarkably without a single turnover. This performance further solidifies his status as one of the league’s premier players and places him in rarified air alongside one of basketball’s most dominant figures. According to ESPN Research, Gilgeous-Alexander is only the second player since 1977-78 to achieve at least 35 points and 15 assists with zero turnovers, joining LeBron James who accomplished the feat in 2018.
The atmosphere inside Paycom Center was electric as Gilgeous-Alexander neared the record. He connected on a three-pointer late in the third quarter to reach 22 points on the night, tying Chamberlain’s mark. The crowd erupted as Gilgeous-Alexander then celebrated with a rare display of emotion, waving to the fans after securing the win. “I don’t even remember what I was saying,” Gilgeous-Alexander said, reflecting on the moment. “It just happened so fast… It’s something special to be mentioned in the same breath as a man like that. It’s crazy when you think about where I was ten years ago and where I am today.”
Chamberlain originally set the record during the 1961-63 seasons, including his iconic 100-point game in 1962. His streak ended on January 20, 1963, after playing only four minutes in a game against the St. Louis Hawks. The longevity and consistency required to maintain such a streak are almost unfathomable in the modern NBA, a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander’s dedication and skill.
Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman acknowledged the significance of the achievement before the game. “The name that he is up there with is Wilt,” Adelman said. “If you love this game, Make sure to 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 has demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout his streak, recording five games with at least 50 points, including a career-high 55 against the Indiana Pacers earlier this season. His last game below 20 points came on October 30, 2024, against the San Antonio Spurs. This sustained level of production is what separates him from many other talented players in the league.
The Canadian guard’s performance against Denver wasn’t just about the record; it was a masterful all-around display. His 15 assists were crucial in facilitating the Thunder’s offense, and his nine rebounds contributed to their dominance on the boards. The winning three-pointer, a step-back jumper, showcased his ability to create space and deliver in critical moments.
Nikola Jokic, the star center for the Nuggets, offered a gracious acknowledgement of Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishment. “I don’t think people know how difficult that is,” Jokic said. “He is an exceptional player.”
Gilgeous-Alexander has the opportunity to break Chamberlain’s record on Thursday, March 12th, when the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Boston Celtics. That game promises to be another highly anticipated matchup, with fans eager to witness history. Isaiah Hartenstein, the Thunder’s German center, remains sidelined with an injury and did not play against Denver.
In other NBA action Monday night, Dennis Schröder and the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 115-101. While Schröder contributed to the win, his performance was relatively quiet, scoring just four points. James Harden led the Cavaliers with 21 points, becoming the ninth player in NBA history to surpass 29,000 career points.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement is more than just a statistical milestone; it’s a testament to his dedication, skill, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As he prepares to potentially surpass Chamberlain’s record, the NBA world will be watching closely.
The Thunder will gaze to continue their winning ways as they prepare to face the Celtics. Fans can catch the game on Thursday night and witness Gilgeous-Alexander’s attempt to make NBA history.
