NBA Power Rankings: Thunder Rise to No. 1, Spurs Surge

OKLAHOMA CITY – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander etched his name into NBA history Thursday night, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain’s legendary streak of 126 consecutive 20-point games. The Oklahoma City Thunder guard reached the milestone during a hard-fought 104-102 victory over the Boston Celtics, sending the Paycom Center crowd into a frenzy.

Gilgeous-Alexander finished the game with 35 points on an efficient 13-of-18 shooting performance, adding 9 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals. He reached the pivotal 20-point mark with a pump-fake and jumper over Baylor Scheierman with 7:04 remaining in the third quarter, officially breaking Chamberlain’s record that had stood for 63 years.

The streak began on November 1, 2024, in a 137-114 win against the Portland Trail Blazers, a game that, at the time, didn’t foreshadow the historic run that would follow. Gilgeous-Alexander, already a rising star coming off an MVP runner-up season, has since elevated his game to another level, culminating in a regular-season MVP award and a Finals MVP as the Thunder defended their championship.

“None of the things I accomplish would matter if we weren’t winning,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game. “I probably wouldn’t have the streak if we weren’t winning. It’s why you play the game. I was crying when I was nine years ancient because I lost an (Ontario Basketball Association) championship. You don’t want to lose. The streak is the streak. The awards are the awards. But the thing I’m most proud of is winning.”

The significance of the achievement isn’t lost on those who have followed Gilgeous-Alexander’s career. The consistency he’s displayed is remarkable, a testament to his dedication and relentless operate ethic. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault highlighted this exceptionally quality before the game. “That’s the impressive thing about him,” Daigneault said. “Human nature is that you have success, you ease a little bit, and he’s the opposite. He tastes it, he wants more, he wants to come back for seconds.”

Chamberlain’s record, set from 1961 to 1963, was considered by many to be unbreakable. Before Gilgeous-Alexander’s ascent, Chamberlain also held the second-longest streak at 92 games, underscoring the sheer difficulty of maintaining such a high level of performance over an extended period. The fact that no one else had even come close for over six decades speaks volumes about the magnitude of Gilgeous-Alexander’s accomplishment.

The Thunder’s victory over the Celtics, despite the absence of key Boston players Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, further solidifies their position as the league’s top team with a record of 52-15. Oklahoma City has won seven straight and 11 of their last 12 games, demonstrating their dominance on both ends of the court. The team’s success is inextricably linked to Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance, and his ability to consistently deliver high-level performances has been the driving force behind their impressive run.

While the Celtics put up a strong fight, the night belonged to Gilgeous-Alexander. The atmosphere in the Paycom Center was electric as fans celebrated the historic moment, recognizing the significance of witnessing a record that may not be broken again for generations. The Thunder, already championship contenders, appear poised for continued success, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge.

Elsewhere in the league, the San Antonio Spurs continue to surprise, winning 16 of their last 18 games despite missing Victor Wembanyama. Their recent victory over the Houston Rockets was followed by a narrow loss to the Celtics, showcasing their resilience and competitive spirit. The Spurs currently hold the second-best record in the league at 48-18.

The Boston Celtics, despite their recent injuries, remain a formidable force in the Eastern Conference with a record of 43-23. Even without Tatum and White, they pushed the Thunder to the limit, demonstrating their depth and championship pedigree. The Denver Nuggets, with a record of 41-26, are also making a strong push in the West, led by the dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray.

The Los Angeles Lakers, boasting a record of 41-25, are finding their stride with LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the way. A recent win over the Chicago Bulls, fueled by a combined 99 points from the two stars, highlighted their offensive firepower. The Detroit Pistons, surprisingly, have also been playing well, winning two of their last three, and are 47-18.

The race for playoff positioning is heating up across the league, with several teams battling for favorable matchups. The Orlando Magic, with a record of 37-28, are surging up the Eastern Conference standings, while the Miami Heat, at 38-29, are quietly making their move. The Minnesota Timberwolves, despite some recent struggles, remain a top contender in the West with a record of 40-26.