Record 63 years in making: SGA surpasses Chamberlain

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said he gives the game "everything" after setting a remarkable new NBA record, breaking a mark that had stood for more than six decades.

The reigning MVP scored 35 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Boston Celtics 104-102, extending his streak of games with at least 20 points to 127. The run began on November 1, 2024 - and with it, the Canadian guard surpassed the legendary Wilt Chamberlain, whose 126-game streak between October 1961 and January 1963 had long been considered untouchable.

Despite the historic milestone, Gilgeous-Alexander insisted the victory mattered far more than the record itself.

"All the records and accomplishments are great, but they don't matter if you don't win," he said after the game. "That's all that was on my mind. I would have given the record for the W any day of the week. I'm glad we won and I got the record."

The defining moment came midway through the third quarter, when SGA drained a 20-foot jumper with 7:04 left on the clock to move to 21 points for the night and officially claim the record.

He finished with 35 points, nine assists and six rebounds in another dominant display.

"I just give the game everything I have," said the 27-year-old. "There are so many things in basketball and in life you can't control. I've just found success focusing on the things I can control and giving my best effort.

"I put my head down, kept doing that, and when you look up, you realise you've achieved a few things."

The win marked a seventh straight victory for the Thunder, who lead the Western Conference with a 52–15 record. The Celtics, meanwhile, sit second in the East at 43-23.