Historic Achievement
“If I had known you were going to break my record, I would have put it a lot farther out of reach,” remarked Wilt Chamberlain, reflecting on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable feat of tying his long-standing record.
On March 9, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 126th consecutive game with at least 20 points, matching Chamberlain’s record set between 1961 and 1963. In a standout performance against the Denver Nuggets, he scored 35 points, along with 15 assists and 9 rebounds, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Consistency and Longevity
Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak began on October 30, 2024, when he scored 18 points against the San Antonio Spurs. Since then, he has averaged an impressive 32.5 points per game, demonstrating not only his scoring ability but also his consistency over an extended period.
The Thunder have thrived during this streak, boasting a record of 100 wins and 24 losses, underscoring the impact of Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance on the team’s success.
Chamberlain’s original streak spanned from October 19, 1961, to January 20, 1963, during which he averaged a staggering 49.2 points per game. Gilgeous-Alexander’s achievement is not just a numerical milestone but a testament to his relentless work ethic and skill on the court.
Mark Daigneault, the Thunder’s head coach, praised Gilgeous-Alexander, stating, “He is ruthlessly consistent in the invisible spaces that I see but you guys don’t,” highlighting the nuances of his game that contribute to his scoring prowess.
Looking Ahead
As Gilgeous-Alexander prepares for the next game against the Boston Celtics, he stands on the brink of breaking Chamberlain’s record. The basketball community eagerly anticipates whether he can extend his streak and set a new benchmark in NBA history.
With each game, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to etch his name into the annals of basketball history, proving that his record is a testament to longevity, rather than a fleeting moment of brilliance.
