Key Takeaways:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched Wilt Chamberlain’s record with his 126th consecutive 20-point game
- Gilgeous-Alexander sealed Oklahoma City’s 129-126 win over Denver with a step-back 3-pointer in the closing seconds
- Nikola Jokic recorded his 24th triple-double of the season with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists
Milestone Performance from Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered an historic showing on Monday, scoring 35 points and dishing out a career-high 15 assists without committing a single turnover, as the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Denver Nuggets 129-126. In doing so, Gilgeous-Alexander became only the second player in NBA history to record at least 35 points and 15 assists with zero turnovers in the same game. He also grabbed nine rebounds.
His scoring feat was particularly notable, as he reached 20 points for the 126th consecutive game, matching the legendary streak achieved by Wilt Chamberlain between 1961 and 1963.
What. A. Game. 😤 pic.twitter.com/zrew86kGYU
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 10, 2026
Thrilling Climax in Oklahoma City
In a frenetic finale, the Thunder held a 126-122 lead before Denver’s Nikola Jokic cut the deficit with a three-pointer. Moments later, Jaylin Williams was penalised for an off-ball foul while battling through a screen, granting Jamal Murray a free throw, which he converted with 8.5 seconds on the clock to level the scores.
Undeterred, Gilgeous-Alexander rose over Spencer Jones to drain his second triple in the final 14 seconds, pushing Oklahoma City back in front. Denver’s Aaron Gordon attempted a long-range heave from 61 feet at the buzzer, but missed, sealing the Thunder’s victory.
Team Contributions and Notable Absences
Oklahoma City extended their unbeaten run to 6-0 since Gilgeous-Alexander returned from an abdominal strain that sidelined him for nine games. Jaylin Williams added 29 points, while Ajay Mitchell made an impactful return—having missed 20 games with both an abdominal strain and a sprained left ankle—by contributing 24 points.
Nikola Jokic registered his 24th triple-double of the campaign with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists, his 188th career triple-double. Supporting him, Tim Hardaway Jr. tallied 28 points, with Gordon providing 23 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets.
The Thunder played without starters Chet Holmgren (illness), Isaiah Hartenstein (bruised left calf), and Jalen Williams (strained right hamstring), as well as key reserve Alex Caruso (bruised left hip).
Physical Encounters and Game Flow
This victory follows a competitive encounter between the sides on 27 February, where Thunder guard Lu Dort was ejected amid a game filled with intense physicality and hard fouls. Aaron Gordon, who sat out that match with a strained right hamstring, started brightly for Denver with 17 points in less than six minutes, helping establish an early double-digit advantage for the Nuggets.
Oklahoma City recovered to hold a 66-60 lead at the interval, largely powered by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 17 first-half points. The home side led by as many as eight with just over two minutes left, before Denver’s late surge set up a dramatic finish.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 35 | 9 | 15 | 0 |
| Jaylin Williams | 29 | 12 | 3 | 1 |
| Ajay Mitchell | 24 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Nikola Jokic | 32 | 14 | 13 | 3 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 28 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Aaron Gordon | 23 | 10 | 3 | 1 |
Upcoming Fixtures
- Denver Nuggets will host Houston on Wednesday
- Oklahoma City Thunder are set to play Boston on Thursday
