Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is nearing one of Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring records. He is approaching Chamberlain’s 126-game record of scoring 20-plus.
Chamberlain’s Perspective on Records
After Kareem Abdul-Jabbar surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s mark for the most points scored in NBA history, Chamberlain congratulated Abdul-Jabbar at a ceremony. Chamberlain later reflected on the challenge that faces pioneers. He said, “If I had known you were going to break my record, I would have put it a lot farther out of reach.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s Streak
From 19 October 1961 through 19 January 1963, Chamberlain scored at least 20 points in 126 consecutive games. Gilgeous-Alexander is now close to that mark. Assuming he scores 20 or more against Golden State, SGA can tie Wilt’s mark against Denver on Monday. He could then make it his own against Boston on Thursday. Each is an OKC home game.
Historical Context
The streak began on 1 November 2024. No one else in NBA history has had a streak of 20-point nights hit triple digits. Oscar Robertson got to 79 games. Jordan and Kevin Durant maxed out at 72. Abdul-Jabbar reached 71; Kobe Bryant, 63; and LeBron James’ 49 rank 21st.
Paths to the Same Destination
Wilt Chamberlain won 4 MVP awards, was named to 13 All-Star teams and won the NBA title twice. It says much about the sport that Chamberlain and Gilgeous-Alexander took such different paths to the same destination.
Wilt Chamberlain probably would think the same now that Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the brink of matching and topping another of the big man’s scoring achievements.