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 performance. On March 9, 2026, Gilgeous-Alexander recorded his 126th consecutive game with at least 20 points, tying Chamberlain’s long-standing record.
In a game against the Denver Nuggets, Gilgeous-Alexander showcased his scoring prowess with 35 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds. This performance not only highlighted his individual skill but also underscored his consistency throughout the streak, which began on October 30, 2024, when he scored 18 points against the San Antonio Spurs.
Comparing Legends
Chamberlain’s original streak lasted from October 19, 1961, to January 20, 1963, during which he averaged an astonishing 49.2 points per game. In contrast, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 32.5 points during his own streak, a testament to his scoring ability and durability in the league.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have thrived during this period, boasting a record of 100-24 while Gilgeous-Alexander has been on this scoring run. His ability to maintain such high performance over an extended period has drawn comparisons to some of the greatest players in basketball history.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Mark Daigneault, the head coach of the Thunder, praised Gilgeous-Alexander, stating, “He is ruthlessly consistent in the invisible spaces that I see but you guys don’t.” This highlights not only his scoring ability but also his overall impact on the game.
LeBron James also weighed in on the challenge of defending against Gilgeous-Alexander, saying, “You gotta keep him off the free throw line, which is hard.” This emphasizes the difficulty opponents face when trying to contain his offensive skills.
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 anticipation surrounding this potential achievement adds to the excitement of the ongoing NBA season.
With each game, Gilgeous-Alexander continues to solidify his place in basketball history, and fans eagerly await what he will accomplish next.