Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's rising star, has just tied a legendary NBA record held by none other than Wilt Chamberlain. With 126 consecutive games scoring 20 points or more, SGA stands shoulder to shoulder with one of basketball's most mythical figures.
During this impressive streak, Gilgeous-Alexander has been lighting up the scoreboard, averaging 32.5 points per game. While Chamberlain's streak saw him averaging an astounding 49.2 points, SGA's consistency and skill are undeniable. As the Thunder prepare to face the Celtics, all eyes are on Gilgeous-Alexander to see if he can surpass Chamberlain's iconic record.
Wilt Chamberlain's records often seem untouchable, like tales of a basketball Paul Bunyan. His 100-point game, averaging over 50 points in a season, and playing more than 48 minutes per game are feats that sound almost mythical.
Chamberlain holds numerous scoring records, including the most consecutive 60, 50, 40, and 30-point games. Now, Shai is on the brink of carving his name into history alongside these legendary accomplishments.
Let’s dive into the numbers and see how SGA stacks up against Wilt and other NBA greats:
Shai vs. Wilt: A Numerical Showdown
- 4,092: Points scored by SGA in his 126-game streak, averaging 32.5 points per game.
- 6,193: Points scored by Chamberlain in his streak, with an average of 49.2 points per game, outpacing SGA by 2,101 points.
- 53.5%: SGA's shooting accuracy during his streak, slightly edging out Chamberlain's 51.1%.
- 818: Assists by SGA during his streak, showcasing his playmaking ability.
- 306: Chamberlain's assists, highlighting the different roles each played on the court.
- 591: Rebounds grabbed by SGA.
- 3,230: Chamberlain's rebounds, a testament to his dominance in the paint.
- 9.1: Free-throw attempts per game for SGA.
- 16.3: Chamberlain's free-throw attempts, reflecting his physical style of play.
SGA Among Thunder Legends
- 3rd: On the Thunder's all-time scoring list, with 12,117 of his 13,006 career points scored in Oklahoma City, trailing only Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
- 4: Number of Thunder players, including SGA, who have scored 20+ points in at least 10 consecutive games.
- 120: Combined length of Durant's two longest 20-point game streaks, both falling short of SGA's current run.
SGA's Place in the NBA
- 8th: Since being drafted in 2018, SGA has scored the eighth-most points in the league. He’s nestled between DeMar DeRozan and Jayson Tatum, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the pack.
- 9th: Among former Kentucky players, SGA ranks ninth in scoring, with Dan Issel at the top and Anthony Davis closing in on 20,000 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not just making history; he's redefining it. As he steps onto the court against the Celtics, fans and historians alike will watch closely.
Can SGA take down another of Wilt's towering records? Stay tuned, because this is a chapter in NBA history you won't want to miss.