Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ties Wilt Chamberlain’s Record as Thunder Beat Nuggets in Thriller | NBA News & Scores

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into the NBA record books Monday night, matching Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary streak of 126 consecutive games with at least 20 points. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard accomplished the feat although leading his team to a thrilling 129-126 victory over the Denver Nuggets, sealing the win with a clutch three-pointer in the final seconds.

The game, a showcase of Western Conference contenders, saw Gilgeous-Alexander finish with 35 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a triple-double. His late-game heroics, including the game-winning shot with 2.7 seconds remaining, underscored a performance that will be remembered alongside one of the NBA’s most enduring records.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak began on October 30, 2024, when he scored 18 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Chamberlain originally established the record between 1961 and 1963, a period highlighted by his iconic 100-point game. Chamberlain’s streak ended on January 20, 1963, after playing just four minutes against the St. Louis Hawks.

The Thunder, already the league’s top team, improved to 51-15 with their sixth consecutive win, solidifying their position atop the Western Conference. The Nuggets, last season’s champions, fell to 39-26, currently sixth in the West. The victory wasn’t simply about the record; it was a statement win against a formidable opponent.

A Clutch Performance for the Ages

The final moments of the game were a whirlwind. Gilgeous-Alexander’s initial three-pointer gave the Thunder a 126-122 lead with 14 seconds left. Though, Nikola Jokić answered with a three-pointer of his own, and a subsequent foul on Jaylin Williams allowed Jamal Murray to tie the game at the free-throw line. It was then that Gilgeous-Alexander delivered the decisive blow, creating space for a step-back three-pointer that sent the Oklahoma City crowd into a frenzy.

“I tried to make a play that I felt comfortable with,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, according to reports. “I tried to create space to shoot, but it went in.”

Beyond the game-winner, Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-around performance was remarkable. His 15 assists demonstrated a growing playmaking ability, and his nine rebounds showcased his commitment on both ends of the court. He is now the second player since the 1977-78 season, following LeBron James, to record at least 35 points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers in a game.

Jokić’s Stellar Effort Not Enough

Despite the loss, Nikola Jokić delivered another dominant performance for the Nuggets, recording his 24th triple-double of the season with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists. He now has 188 career triple-doubles. Tim Hardaway Jr. Added 28 points, and Aaron Gordon contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds for Denver, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance and the Thunder’s overall team effort.

Jaylin Williams and Jalen Williams likewise played key roles for Oklahoma City, combining for 41 points. Williams finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Jalen Williams added 24 points.

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

Gilgeous-Alexander has the opportunity to surpass Chamberlain’s record on Thursday, March 12, 2026, when the Thunder host the Boston Celtics. That game will be a significant test for Oklahoma City against another Eastern Conference powerhouse. The Celtics, consistently among the league’s elite, will present a different challenge than the Nuggets, requiring the Thunder to maintain their high level of play.

For the Nuggets, the loss serves as a reminder of the competitive landscape in the Western Conference. They will need to regroup and continue to rely on Jokić’s exceptional play to remain contenders. Their next game is against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 15th.

The Thunder’s success this season has been built on a combination of Gilgeous-Alexander’s individual brilliance, a strong supporting cast, and effective coaching. As they continue to pursue a championship, maintaining this level of consistency will be crucial. The chase for the top seed in the Western Conference remains tight, and every game carries significant weight.

The NBA season is entering its critical stretch, and the performances of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić will undoubtedly shape the playoff picture. Gilgeous-Alexander’s pursuit of Chamberlain’s record has added another layer of excitement to an already compelling season.

What do you think? Will Shai Gilgeous-Alexander break Wilt Chamberlain’s record on Thursday? Share your thoughts in the comments below!