Washington (United States) (AFP) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke the NBA record for consecutive 20-point games by recording his 127th in a row on Thursday in an Oklahoma City Thunder home match against the Boston Celtics. The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player eclipsed the 63-year-old mark of 126 set by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain when he sank a 20-foot jump shot from the top of the key with 7:04 remaining in the third quarter. That gave the 27-year-old Canadian guard 21 points for the game and lifted the reigning NBA champion Thunder level with Boston at 69-69.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak began on November 1, 2024, and since then he has averaged 35.5 points and shot 53.5 percent. During it, Gilgeous-Alexander has had all five of his career 50-point games, 18 40-point performances, and 85 30-point games.
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Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first half, putting himself on the brink of NBA history as the second half began. He missed a three-point attempt but was later fouled on a drive to the basket and made two free throws to pull within one point of the milestone, setting the stage for his historic basket.
Gilgeous-Alexander started strong with 10 points in the first quarter on 2-of-3 shooting from the floor, 1-of-2 from three-point range, plus 5-of-6 from the free throw line as well as two assists, two blocks, and a steal. “SGA” added seven points in the second quarter, hitting 3-of-4 from the floor including his only three-point attempt to reach the brink of history even though Boston led 59-56 at halftime.
© 2024 AFP
