Gilgeous-Alexander ties Chamberlain's mark for consecutive 20-point games - ESPN

OKLAHOMA CITY — Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had such a masterpiece of a performance Monday night that tying one of Wilt Chamberlain's records was a mere footnote.

Gilgeous-Alexander punctuated his 126th consecutive 20-point performance, matching Chamberlain's record streak set from 1961 to 1963, by swishing a game-winning stepback 3-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining to lift the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-126 win over their Western Conference rival Denver Nuggets.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points and a career-high 15 assists without committing a turnover, joining another all-time NBA great in an exclusive club. According to ESPN Research, LeBron James is the only other player to record at least 35 points and 15 assists with no turnovers since turnovers became an official statistic in 1977-78, accomplishing the feat while leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a March 21, 2018 win over the Toronto Raptors.

After Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon's desperation heave missed as the final buzzer sounded, Gilgeous-Alexander triumphantly strutted around the Paycom Center court, animatedly waving to the home crowd. It was a rare display of emotion from the usually even-keeled superstar, who had also passionately celebrated his two 3s in the final 14 seconds.

«I don't even remember what I was saying,» said Gilgeous-Alexander, who also grabbed nine rebounds in a game that he considered one of the best regular-season performances of his career. «It just happened so fast. Yeah, it usually doesn't happen, but tonight called for it.»

Gilgeous-Alexander outdueled three-time MVP Nikola Jokic in a matchup only 10 nights after a heated meeting between the recent title teams, when the Thunder emerged with