Earlier this season, Nikola Jokic joined Wilt Chamberlain in the record books with a rare 25/15/10 triple-double while shooting at least 90% from the field. Matching feats with an NBA legend has become almost routine for the Nuggets superstar, who has carved out a habit of doing the extraordinary.

But after Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reached a historic milestone of his own, Jokic shifted the spotlight. Speaking to reporters after the game, the reigning MVP challenged the media to fully appreciate just how difficult SGA’s latest achievement really is, offering a pointed reminder about the level of consistency required.

The reigning MVP tied Chamberlain’s record streak by scoring at least 20 points in 126 consecutive games. Speaking to the press after the game, Jokic said, “I don’t know. Do people know how hard it is to do that? To make a 20-point game in 10 games, not 120 or whatever. It’s special, and he’s a special player. It’s a pleasure and a privilege to battle against him.”

The Thunder guard hit a 3-pointer late in the third quarter Monday night against Denver to tie that record. Chamberlain set the record from 1961 to 1963 and scored 20 points every game of the 1961-62 season for the Philadelphia Warriors, including his famous 100-point game in 1962. Although SGA has not 100 but has had a career-high 55 points against the Indiana Pacers early this season.

Reflecting on the performance and what it means to have his name in the history books alongside Wilt Chamberlain, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, ” It’s still a lot to even like wrap my head around.”

Further adding, “To be honest with you, I try not to even like think about it, especially during the season. But obviously, being in a conversation with a guy like that is special. It’s crazy to think that where I was 10 years ago, I’d be here today, but you work hard. You trust the process, and you look up, and great things can happen for you. And I’m a testament to that.”

Drafted 11th overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2018, but after just one season with L.A., he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. That setback turned into an opportunity, and today he leads them at the top of the NBA.

Nikola Jokic’s coach also praised Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets delivered another gripping chapter in their budding rivalry. Their previous clash spilled into overtime before a winner emerged. This time, on March 9, the Thunder sealed the deal in regulation, thanks to a signature step-back three-pointer from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with just 2.7 seconds left, lifting OKC to a thrilling 129-126 victory.

SGA was masterful throughout, pouring in 35 points on an efficient 14-of-21 shooting (including 3-of-7 from deep), while adding a career-high 15 assists, nine rebounds, two blocks, one steal, and crucially, zero turnovers. He orchestrated the offense with poise, rarely needing the free-throw line (just four attempts), and delivered in the clutch not once but twice in the frantic final minute.

Apart from Jokic, even David Adelman praised the Thunder guard.

“The name that he is up there with is Wilt,” Nuggets coach David Adelman said before the game. “If you love this game, you should love the history of it. And for him and for Wilt, to talk about him again and again and again on his records — it just says a lot about Shai’s career, the consistency that he’s shown over the years.”

Apart from matching Chamberlain’s record, even more exclusive: SGA joined LeBron James as the only players in NBA history (since turnovers became an official stat in 1977-78) to post at least 35 points, 15 assists, and zero turnovers in a single game. James achieved it back in 2018; now the reigning MVP adds his name to that rare air.