Oklahoma City: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander created NBA history as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged past the Boston Celtics 104–102 in a thrilling contest on Thursday night.
The Canadian guard recorded his 127th consecutive 20-point game, breaking the long-standing record of 126 set by legendary center Wilt Chamberlain more than six decades ago.
Gilgeous-Alexander reached the milestone midway through the third quarter when he knocked down a 20-foot jump shot from the top of the key, taking his tally to 21 points.
The 27-year-old delivered a superb all-round performance, finishing with 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting, including two three-pointers and seven free throws, while also contributing nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals.
Despite the record-breaking achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander emphasized that the team’s victory mattered more.
“All the records and accomplishments are great, but they don’t matter if you don’t win,” he said. “I would have given the record for the W any day of the week. I’m glad we won and I got the record.”
The match was decided in dramatic fashion when Chet Holmgren converted two crucial free throws with just 0.8 seconds remaining after being fouled while contesting a rebound. Boston had a final opportunity, but Payton Pritchard missed a buzzer-beating shot.
The victory extended Oklahoma City’s winning streak to seven games and improved its league-best record to 52-15, while the Celtics dropped to 43-23.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable streak began on November 1, 2024, during which he has averaged 35.5 points per game while shooting 53.5 percent from the field. The run also includes five 50-point games, 18 performances with at least 40 points and 85 games of 30 points or more.
Interestingly, the star guard admitted he was unhappy with his slow start to the game.
“I was having a terrible game to that point. I started sluggish,” he said. “I just wanted to focus on getting the car back on the road and make sure we walked out of here with a W.”
With the record now secured, Gilgeous-Alexander made it clear that his ultimate focus remains on lifting the championship trophy with the Thunder.
Source: Sportstar, NBA
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