Key Highlights
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke Wilt Chamberlain’s record for most consecutive 20-point games in NBA history (127).
- The streak began on November 1, 2024, with a 30-point performance against the Portland Trail Blazers.
- Gilgeous-Alexander is now the reigning MVP and has broken a record that stood for 63 years.
- His consistency is highlighted by his ability to score from all areas of the court.
The Unlikely Champion
The NBA is abuzz with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s remarkable streak, but you might think this is new. In reality, it’s a testament to his years of hard work and dedication. Alexander’s journey began on November 1, 2024, in Portland, where he scored 30 points, setting the stage for an odyssey that would span over two seasons.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it’s a culmination of consistency, something Gilgeous-Alexander has always emphasized.
His declaration “My whole life is consistent, everything I do” rings true in his basketball career. He scores from everywhere on the court, making him an unstoppable force.
Breaking Records
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 126-game streak to break Wilt Chamberlain’s record stands as a beacon of dedication and skill. The last time anyone came close was Oscar Robertson with 79 games, but even that pales in comparison.
The competition has been minimal recently. Kevin Durant got closer than most, hitting the halfway mark with his 72-game streak, but it ended early.
Kobe Bryant reached 63 games, and the rest? Well, they didn’t come close to Chamberlain’s legendary feat.
Mathematical Miracles
The odds are astronomical. Over the past two seasons, All-Star players score 20-plus points in only 71% of their games. The chances of an All-Star hitting that mark for 126 straight games?
About one in 3.2 quintillion. That’s roughly equivalent to finding a specific grain of sand on Earth.
Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just score; he did so with efficiency and precision. He’s upped his 3-point shooting from 35.9% to 39.3%, making him one of the most well-rounded guards in the league. His inside game is also on fire, making a career-high 60.1% of his 2-point attempts.
Award-Worthy
Gilgeous-Alexander’s overall efficiency is near the top of the charts, with a true shooting mark of 66.7%, placing him second all-time among 30-point scorers. Only Stephen Curry’s 66.9% in 2015-16 ranks higher.
His consistency isn’t just about scoring; it’s about avoiding mistakes. He averages only 2.1 turnovers per game, the fewest on record for a player averaging 30 PPG.
His streak naturally led him to win the MVP award and now he’s the first to break Chamberlain’s long-standing record.
So, as we marvel at Gilgeous-Alexander’s feat, remember: it’s not just about breaking records; it’s about consistency in every game. And that’s something you don’t see often in today’s fast-paced NBA.
