In a thrilling and historic performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shattered a long-standing record while guiding the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a narrow 104-102 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday, March 13, 2026, in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The defending champions' star player not only secured the win but also eclipsed a legendary milestone that had stood for over six decades.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Gilgeous-Alexander spearheaded the Thunder's effort with an impressive 35 points, thereby breaking the 63-year-old record held by the iconic Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain's record consisted of achieving 20 points or more in 126 consecutive games, a feat that had remained untouched since its establishment. Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable streak began on November 1, 2024, and since that date, he has maintained an outstanding average of 35.5 points per game, showcasing his consistent offensive prowess.
Breaking Down the Numbers
The record-breaking performance by Gilgeous-Alexander is further highlighted by his career statistics, which include five games with 50 points or more, 18 performances where he scored at least 40 points, and 85 games where he reached the 30-point mark. These numbers underscore his status as one of the premier scorers in the league today, demonstrating a level of skill and endurance that few players can match.
Focus on the Ultimate Goal
Despite this monumental achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander remains focused on his primary objective: leading the Thunder to another championship. As the current regular season and Finals MVP, he downplayed the significance of individual records, emphasizing his commitment to the team's mission. "I've been trying to reach my ultimate goal, which is hoisting the trophy. Because that's all I focus on, everything else takes care of itself. I look up and I've accomplished a few things," Gilgeous-Alexander explained, highlighting his team-first mentality and dedication to success.
A Nail-Biting Finish
The game itself was an intense and closely contested battle from start to finish, with the outcome ultimately decided in the final moments. Chet Holmgren sealed the victory for the Thunder by sinking two crucial free throws with only 0.8 seconds remaining on the clock. The Celtics had a last-second opportunity to steal the win, but Payton Pritchard's buzzer-beater attempt missed its mark, allowing Oklahoma City to escape with the hard-fought triumph.
Key Contributions and Absences
Supporting Gilgeous-Alexander's efforts, Ajay Mitchell added 15 points for the Thunder, while Chet Holmgren contributed 14 points to the winning cause. On the Celtics' side, the team was hampered by the absence of two key players: Jayson Tatum, who was out due to injury management, and Derrick White, who missed the game with a right knee contusion. Despite these setbacks, the Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown, who scored 34 points, and Payton Pritchard, who chipped in with 14 points.
This victory not only solidifies the Thunder's position as a formidable contender but also cements Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's place in NBA history, as he continues to build on a legacy that now includes breaking one of the sport's most enduring records.
