Shai Gilgeous-Alexander says winning matters most after breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record

Fresh off breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s long-standing NBA record for consecutive 20-point games, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made one thing clear: the individual milestone means far less than winning.

Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak to 127 straight games with 20 points or more, surpassing Chamberlain’s mark that had stood since 1963. But when asked about the accomplishment after the game, the reigning MVP quickly turned the focus back to the team.

“None of the things I accomplished would matter if we weren’t winning,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And I probably wouldn’t have most of them if we weren’t winning. That’s why you play the game.”

The Thunder star said his competitive drive has always centered on victories rather than statistics.

“I was crying when I was nine years old because I lost a championship,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You don’t want to lose as a kid, you don’t want to lose as a grown man. When you’re competitive, that’s all that matters.”

Despite leading the league’s scouting reports nightly, Gilgeous-Alexander has found ways to adapt against different defensive strategies throughout the historic run.

“Over the years I’ve just built my game and seen defenses,” he said. “I try to attack them with the tools I have and get better every year.”

The Thunder’s success during the streak has also played a major role. Oklahoma City has dominated the standings while Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring run has continued.

He credited teammates, coaching and the team’s collective approach for the historic stretch.

“Basketball is a five-man sport. You can’t win by yourself,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “You need great teammates, great role players, a great coach. I like to think we have all of those.”

Even with the milestone behind him, the Thunder guard believes there is still room to grow.

“I’ve never had a 50-40-90 season,” he said. “And there’s always something to learn. The game is always evolving.”

Gilgeous-Alexander also admitted he didn’t realize the exact moment he broke Chamberlain’s record until the crowd erupted inside Paycom Center.

“I knew I was around there, but I didn’t know exactly how many,” he said. “Once I heard the crowd, I was like, ‘OK, that must have been it.’”

While the historic streak adds another chapter to his career, Gilgeous-Alexander said what he’s most proud of is the success the Thunder have enjoyed along the way.

“We’ve won throughout the streak,” he said. “And we’ve had a lot of fun doing it.”