Gilgeous-Alexander Sets Longest Scoring Streak Since the 1960s

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder reached 20 points for the 70th consecutive game on Friday night against the Houston Rockets, surpassing NBA legend Michael Jordan‘s previous mark of 69 straight games in the 1990-91 season. Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 22 points in a 125-111 loss, marking the end of the Thunder’s 11-game winning streak.

The record-breaking moment came when Gilgeous-Alexander made 1 of 2 free throws at the end of the third quarter. He is now the first player to achieve a streak of 70 games since the 1960s and is on the brink of breaking into the upper echelon of NBA scoring records.

“I just focus on one game at a time,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame. “Reaching this milestone is incredible, but my main aim is to help the team win.”

With this recent achievement, Gilgeous-Alexander has positioned himself behind only Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson in all-time scoring streaks. Chamberlain holds the record for 80 consecutive games scoring 20 or more points during the 1961-62 and 1963-64 seasons, while Robertson had a 76-game streak in 1963-64.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s prolific scoring streak began on November 1 when he scored 30 points against the Trail Blazers. The only game he fell short this season was on October 30, when he recorded just 18 points in a victory over the Spurs.

Despite his individual success, the Thunder were unable to secure a victory against the Rockets, who improved their record to 2-3 against the top-seeded Thunder. The game marked the first loss for Oklahoma City since March 10, breaking an impressive run of victories.

The Thunder’s head coach, Mark Daigneault, commented, “Shai has been incredible for us all season long. His ability to score and carry us offensively has been key. We’re proud of what he is accomplishing.”

As the regular season approaches its final stretch, Gilgeous-Alexander will need to continue his scoring streak into the playoffs to set a new NBA record. With five games remaining in the regular season, it is rumored that he may rest in preparation for the postseason, given that the Thunder have already secured the number one seed.

“We still have a lot to accomplish together as a team,” Gilgeous-Alexander added. “The playoffs will be a different challenge, and we are all focused on achieving our goals.”

As the postseason draws near, both Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder remain focused on not only maintaining the scoring streak but also contending for an NBA championship.