Nikola Jokic reacts as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ties 63-year Wilt Chamberlain record vs Nuggets

Mar 10, 2026 - 12:00

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is reigning MVP for a reason.

The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar was integral to NBA Finals glory in 2025, and the defending champs are rolling again this season.

Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates game winning 3 point basket during the game against the Denver Nuggets — SGA called game against the Nuggets with a record-setting performance

OKC are top of the NBA‘s Western Conference once more, and boast the best record in the league with 51 wins and just 15 losses.

The Thunder squeezed past their rival Denver Nuggets with a dramatic 129-126 win on Monday night and, of course, it was SGA who called game.

He swished a winning step-back 3-pointer with three seconds remaining to send home fans inside Paycom Center wild.

That moment came after the reigning MVP had made history earlier in the night by matching a Wilt Chamberlain record that had been untouched since 1963.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matches NBA icon as incredible run continues

SGA finished with 35 points, nine rebounds and a career-high 15 assists without committing a turnover against the Nuggets.

It was his 126th consecutive game of scoring at least 20 points, which matches Chamberlain’s record streak, set from 1961 to 1963.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s streak started back on November 1, 2024.

After he drained the clutch three to win a tough contest against Denver, SGA strutted around the court in a rare display of emotion that reminded everyone that he’s in prime position to land the MVP award once more.

“I don’t even remember what I was saying,” he explained of the post-game scenes.

“It just happened so fast. Yeah, it usually doesn’t happen, but tonight called for it.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrates his game-winning shot with his team at the end of regulation against the Denver Nuggets at Paycom Center on March 9, 2026 — SGA matched a historic Chamberlain record in front of MVP rival Jokic on Monday

SGA’s historic display unfolded in front of another perennial MVP candidate, Nikola Jokic.

Joker finished with a triple-double of his own, racking up 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13-assists.

He’s the other front-runner for the league’s top individual award, but in the last 10 days, his Nuggets team has fallen twice to the Thunder.

Earlier this month, Denver had been touted as the only team that could stop their division rivals from winning back-to-back NBA titles.

Nikola Jokic reacts after SGA makes NBA history

Unsurprisingly, Jokic was asked about Gilgeous-Alexander’s record-breaking performance as he took in another defeat to OKC.

“I don’t know that people know how hard it is to do that,” he said.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Golden State Warriors on February 22, 2026 — Jokic described SGA as a ‘special’ player who he feels privileged to play against

“To make 20 points in 10 (straight) games, not 120 or whatever it is, it’s special.

“He’s a special player, it’s a pleasure and privilege to battle against him.”

Intense battles between SGA and Joker have unfolded both on the court and in the MVP voting this season, but Monday’s game left Jalen Williams in no doubt: The award should go to his OKC teammate.

Williams missed the contest with a right hamstring strain, and doesn’t yet have a clear timetable to return.

Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives to the basket during the game against the Phoenix Suns — Williams believes SGA ended the MVP debate with his performance on Monday

But he was watching closely as the Thunder edged the Nuggets, and suggested it should seal the race.

Williams posted on X: “MVP. Don’t think too hard!!! #watchthegames.”

Plenty of fans agreed with his assessment in the replies, with many suggesting Gilgeous-Alexander has ‘ended the conversation.’

The Thunder superstar will have a chance to better Chamberlain’s record, which has stood for 63 years, when OKC host the Boston Celtics in another blockbuster game on Thursday night.

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