NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently increased his chances of repeating by making history, breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s streak of consecutive games with at least 20 points.
Gilgeous-Alexander had to turn the page quickly, as his Oklahoma City Thunder faced a strong Minnesota Timberwolves squad. While pushing to extend the streak, he received a celebratory reaction from his teammates.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder Teammates Rally Around Him After Extending 20-Point Streak
Sunday night’s broadcast showed the Thunder players’ reaction after Gilgeous-Alexander made a tough basket to seal the victory over Minnesota and keep the streak alive.
The basket and free throw allowed Gilgeous-Alexander to extend his NBA-record streak to 128 consecutive games with at least 20 points. His teammates and the home crowd celebrated as he hit the jumper over Timberwolves franchise player Anthony Edwards, fell to the floor, and was quickly surrounded by teammates, who helped him up.
Shai GIlgeous-Alexander hit the tough and-1 jumper and the free throw to extend his 20+ points streak
The entire Thunder bench surrounded him
(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)
pic.twitter.com/Ijn5luVQ9E— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) March 15, 2026
The Timberwolves defended Gilgeous-Alexander well throughout the game, as he went 7-for-22 from the field and attempted only 5 free throws.
However, he made the decisive plays, finishing the Thunder’s 116-103 win with 20 points and 10 assists. The victory improved the defending champions to 53-15, keeping them atop the Western Conference.
Despite an inefficient shooting night, Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game that defense fueled the team’s eighth consecutive victory. The Timberwolves shot 46.8% overall and 45.5% from 3-point range, but the Thunder held Anthony Edwards to 19 points on 6-of-17 shooting.
❝Our defense was our backbone.❞
The squad locked down with 16 steals and 6 blocks 🔒 pic.twitter.com/530lbkkhym
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 15, 2026
The Thunder are known for their close bond on and off the court. Analysts have compared them to a college team as they rose in the Western Conference.
They have become known for group interviews after games, with Gilgeous-Alexander often joined by teammates when answering questions. Their support of him during his record-setting performance is another example of that connection.
Gilgeous-Alexander consistently credits his teammates, and they backed him against the Timberwolves. All-Star Chet Holmgren scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.
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The Thunder, considered one of the deepest teams in the league, also received strong contributions from scoring guards Isaiah Joe and Jared McCain off the bench. The team hopes to have star wing Jalen Williams back at full strength for the playoffs.
While Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder, he consistently acknowledges his teammates, making it no surprise that they celebrated his continued success.
