Only two games into the 2026 season, the remarkable scoring streak of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has concluded. The point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder managed to tally 17 points during the team’s home opener on Thursday, leading to a 96-84 victory.
This performance ended an NBA record 141-game streak in which Gilgeous-Alexander had scored 20 or more points in a game. This streak in the regular season goes back nearly two years, originating on October 30, 2024, when he recorded 18 points in a win against the San Antonio Spurs.
During the first half, Gilgeous-Alexander was limited to just two points, going 0-for-7 from the field. However, his game improved significantly in the second half, finishing with a shooting percentage of 6-for-19 on field goals.
For a brief time, it appeared that Gilgeous-Alexander might be able to recover and maintain the streak: The two-time league MVP scored 10 points in the final quarter, culminating with a crucial 3-pointer.
As the Thunder’s victory was essentially secured, Gilgeous-Alexander exited the game with under two minutes left, narrowly missing the 20-point mark.
In the postgame remarks, he indicated he had intended to return, but noticed the Nuggets had also substituted their starters and opted to respect that by staying out of the game.
“I believe it’s important to always show respect for the game,” Gilgeous-Alexander stated, according to Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire. “Hopefully, I have plenty of games ahead to initiate another streak, so.”
Back in March, Gilgeous-Alexander’s stretch earned him a spot in the record books, as he surpassed Wilt Chamberlain for the longest 20-plus point streak in NBA history with his 127th game. He maintained this streak for the remainder of the regular season, navigating through some tense moments, and scored 32 points in the Thunder’s season opener on Tuesday.
Even though his streak has ended, it stands as a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring efficiency. Analyzing the statistics, he frequently reached 20 points before the fourth quarter in the majority of his games. This streak outmatches every other active player by a considerable margin — not to mention leaving a significant gap of 15 games between him and Chamberlain’s record.
The 28-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander will have an opportunity to begin a new streak this Sunday when the Thunder face off against the Los Angeles Clippers.
