Gilgeous-Alexander matches Chamberlain and scores decisive three-pointers in Thunder victory
Gilgeous-Alexander finished his 126th consecutive game with 20 or more points, tying Chamberlain’s streak, and hit the winning 3-pointer for the Thunder over the Nuggets.
OKLAHOMA CITY — Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had such a masterful performance Monday night that tying one of Wilt Chamberlain’s records was just a footnote.
Gilgeous-Alexander capped his 126th consecutive 20-point performance, tying the record streak of Chamberlain established between 1961 and 1963, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining to lead the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-126 victory over their Western Conference rivals, the Denver Nuggets.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a career-high 35 points and 15 assists without a single turnover, joining another great NBA player in an exclusive club. According to AM850 ResearchLeBron James is the only other player to record at least 35 points and 15 assists without a turnover since turnovers became an official statistic in the 1977-78 season.
He accomplished the feat while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a March 21, 2018 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
After Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon’s desperate shot missed at the final horn, Gilgeous-Alexander He boasted triumphantly around the Paycom Center court, waving animatedly to the home fans.
It was a rare display of emotion from the usually composed superstar, who also passionately celebrated his two 3-pointers in the final 14 seconds.
“I don’t even remember what it said,” he said. Gilgeous-Alexanderwho also grabbed nine rebounds in a game he considered one of the best performances of his career in the regular season. “It happened very quickly. Yes, it doesn’t usually happen, but tonight required it.”
Gilgeous-Alexander bested three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in a duel just 10 nights after an intense meeting between the two, when the Thunder won in overtime, in a game that included a fight between the rival teams.
On Monday night, Jokic recorded a triple-double of 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, but Gilgeous-Alexander was in the game’s decisive moments.
Gilgeous-Alexander He hit what looked like a step-back 3-pointer from the top of the arc with 13.9 seconds left, putting the Thunder up four points.
However, the Nuggets tied the game seconds later. Thunder center Jaylin Williams was fouled for running through a Jamal Murray screen when Jokic hit a 3-pointer. Upon review, the officiating team ruled that Jokic had initiated his shooting motion when the foul was committed, sending Murray to the line for the tying free throw.
That set the stage for one of the most spectacular defining moments of Gilgeous-Alexander’s career.
