Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stands alone in NBA history after breaking the legendary Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive games scoring at least 20 points. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player achieved this remarkable milestone on March 12, during the Oklahoma City Thunder's tightly contested game against the Boston Celtics, which concluded with a 104-102 victory for the Thunder.
Gilgeous-Alexander set the new record of 127 consecutive games with at least 20 points scored, surpassing Chamberlain's previous mark of 126. He accomplished this with a jumper from near the top of the key, much to the delight of the home crowd at the Paycom Center. Fans erupted in cheers as the public address announcer confirmed the historic achievement, and a special graphic was displayed on the Jumbotron to commemorate the moment.
"None of the things I accomplish would matter if we weren’t winning," Gilgeous-Alexander expressed to reporters after the game. He acknowledged the importance of team success in his personal achievements, stating, "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 old because I lost an (Ontario Basketball Association) championship. You don’t want to lose."
He continued, "The streak is the streak. The awards are the awards. But the thing I’m most proud of is winning." His performance in this game was remarkable, finishing with 35 points on an impressive 13-of-18 shooting, while also contributing 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals.
Although he started the game slowly, Gilgeous-Alexander managed to score 10 points in the first quarter, capitalizing on his aggressive drives to the basket and free throw opportunities. He converted 5 of 6 free throws and added 7 points in the second quarter as the Thunder aimed to close the gap on the Celtics, who held the lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Celtics employed double-teams to limit Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring, and he only managed 4 points. However, he still led all players with 8 assists through three quarters. The fourth quarter saw him regain his scoring touch, netting 14 points, including six of the Thunder's final eight points, sealing the victory against Boston.
"I’ve reflected on it," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault remarked after the game. "You get lost in the season and you take for granted what you’re watching every night. But No. 1: he’s surgical at his craft — no one is more precise with their craft than he is. And No. 2: the whole life of the streak has not prevented us from having a ton of team success and hasn’t prevented his teammates from having success, either."
He added, "And then, great father, great husband, great teammate. Treats everybody in the building, from top to bottom, with dignity. So, obviously, he’s a great basketball player. But he’s the kind of person you couldn’t be happier for."
At 27 years old, Gilgeous-Alexander has established himself as one of the league's most consistent players, currently ranking second in scoring with an average of 31.7 points per game, trailing only Lakers guard Luka Dončić. He tied Chamberlain's record on March 9, during a game against the Denver Nuggets where he scored 35 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds, culminating in a game-winning 3-pointer.
The significance of this record is underscored by the fact that Gilgeous-Alexander and Chamberlain are the only two players in NBA history to achieve a streak of 20-point games lasting more than 100 games. Following Chamberlain's record, Oscar Robertson stands with 79 games, while Michael Jordan and Kevin Durant both achieved 72, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar reached 71.
While Chamberlain averaged an astounding 49.2 points per game during his streak spanning from October 19, 1961, to January 19, 1963, Gilgeous-Alexander has achieved a notable win-loss record during his streak. As of the end of the game against Boston, the Thunder have recorded 103 wins and 24 losses in games where he has scored at least 20 points, compared to Chamberlain's Warriors, who had a record of 66 wins and 60 losses during his streak.
Source: USA TODAY News