Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched Wilt Chamberlain’s streak with 20-point games in 126 consecutive contests as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Denver Nuggets 129-126 on Monday at Paycom Center.
Speaking after the game, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Just trusting my work first and foremost and then reading the defense. Obviously, they were sending two basically the whole second half. I knew if I wanted to get an attempt late, I would have to go quick and go fast.”
He highlighted the role of teammates in securing the victory, noting, “J-Will, AJ, Isaiah Joe, J-Mac, they brought it offensively and we were able to hang around in the game long enough. Offensively, we were really good tonight. J was at the tip of that.”
On tying Chamberlain’s record, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Being in a conversation with a guy like that is special. It’s crazy to think that where I was 10 years ago, I’d be here today, but you work hard. You trust the process and you look up and great things can happen for you. I’m a testament to that.”
Gilgeous-Alexander also discussed his career-high 15 assists, explaining, “They were double teaming the whole second half and I just passed the ball out. Guys are open, guys made plays, guys made shots. The better the guys are around it, the harder it is for teams to do so.”
Reflecting on the intensity of the matchup, Gilgeous-Alexander added, “Every time we play against them, especially when they’re fully healthy, it’s going to be one of the biggest tests you can get in an 82-game season. They’re talented, well coached, well experienced. Games you wake up for for sure.”
He described his emotions in the closing seconds: “I don’t really know. Sometimes it just happens. You want the game so bad, you’re in the moment so bad. You’re at home, the crowd’s behind you. You’re close to getting what you want, which is a win.”
On consistency, Gilgeous-Alexander said, “Doing what you’re supposed to do when you don’t want to do it. It’s easy to work hard when things are going your way. Facing challenges, losing, and getting up and doing the same thing—that’s what makes consistency.”
With his 35 points, 15 assists, and nine rebounds, Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City past a Nuggets team missing key starters. Jaylin Williams added 29 points, and Ajay Mitchell scored 24 in the win. Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists.
The Thunder improved to 51-15, maintaining their lead atop the Western Conference, while the Nuggets fell to 39-26. Oklahoma City will host Boston on Thursday, and Denver returns home to face Houston on Wednesday.
