In an impressive display of skill, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a narrow 104-102 victory against the Boston Celtics on March 12, 2026. Amidst the thrilling atmosphere at the Paycom Center, Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring prowess reached a new milestone, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s long-standing record for consecutive games with 20 points or more.
"I just try to play the game the right way and be the best player I can be for my team," said Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, reflecting on his historic achievement. He tallied 35 points in total during the match, elevating his consecutive scoring streak to an impressive 127 games.
Gilgeous-Alexander's record-breaking performance included a notable midrange jumper with just over seven minutes remaining in the third quarter, which gave him the 21 points needed to surpass Chamberlain's mark, a record that had stood since 1963. He concluded the game with nine assists and six rebounds, shooting an efficient 13 of 18 from the field.
The game was hard-fought, with Oklahoma City fighting back after an evenly matched contest that saw multiple ties and slight leads change hands frequently. Gilgeous-Alexander played a pivotal role in the final moments, hitting a crucial pullup jumper to break a 98-all tie. "Every possession counts down the stretch, and we executed when we needed to," he emphasized.
The Celtics attempted to respond after trailing, with Jaylen Brown scoring 34 points to keep them in contention. Despite Brown's efforts, including two free throws to tie the game at 102, it was Chet Holmgren's performance that clinched the victory for Oklahoma City. After a rebound with just 0.9 seconds left, Holmgren converted two free throws, breaking the 102-all tie.
Boston’s Jayson Tatum was notably absent as he is recovering from surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon, creating significant gaps in the Celtics’ lineup. He has only played three games since his return from injury, which has been a challenge for Boston.
Reflecting on the match, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault commented, "The guys showed resilience. In tight games, you find opportunities, and Shai made a lot of those happen tonight." This victory marked the Thunder's seventh consecutive win since Gilgeous-Alexander returned from an abdominal strain that sidelined him from participating in the All-Star Game.
As the game unfolded, the contest remained tense, with each team trading leads. With 29.6 seconds left on the clock, Gilgeous-Alexander again relied on his free-throw line jumper to reclaim the lead for the Thunder at 102-100. Brown then tied the game one last time before Holmgren’s free throws sealed the deal.
Looking ahead, the Thunder will host the Minnesota Timberwolves next, while the Celtics will look to regroup as they prepare for their upcoming matchup. The stakes remain high with both teams vying for positioning as the playoffs approach.
This match not only showcased an exhilarating game of basketball but also highlighted the remarkable talent of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has etched his name in NBA history with this latest achievement. His blend of skill and determination continues to inspire teammates and fans alike as he forges ahead in both his personal journey and the Thunder’s season.