Most consecutive 20-point games in NBA history: How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compares to legendary Wilt Chamberlain

The post Most consecutive 20-point games in NBA history: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compared to legend Wilt Chamberlain originally appeared on The Sporting News. Click here to add Sports News as your go-to source.

Jump to:

• Longest streak of 20 points in NBA history

• Who has the longest consecutive 20-point streak in NBA history?

• SGA-Wilt records, explanations

• Who scored more than 20 points in a game in NBA history?

Some of the NBA’s all-time scoring records are driven by longevity, such as LeBron James’ leading all-time scoring total. Others have to do with single-game performances — Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game remains the gold standard, and the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo is a surprising second after scoring 83 points in March 2026.

advertise

When it comes to consistency on a nightly basis during the NBA’s regular season schedule, arguably no record speaks louder than the ability of elite scorers to consistently score 20-plus points. 20 points is often considered the bar for good versus great scorers, and some players reach that mark far more often than others, health permitting.

As of March 2026, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP and Finals MVP, is making headlines for challenging the NBA legend’s record for most consecutive 20-point games.

Here’s everything you need to know about the longest 20-point streak in NBA history, where Gilgeous-Alexander ranks, and more.

More:The 9 greatest players in Thunder history ranked

advertise

Longest streak of 20 points in NBA history

Throughout NBA history, many legends have topped the list of most consecutive 20-point games in NBA history.

There have been 12 times a player has scored 20 points in at least 60 consecutive games, and it was accomplished by eight different players. Wilt Chamberlain scored 20 or more points three times in at least 60 games, while Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar both scored 20 or more points twice.

*Bold = active

More: Everything you need to know about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s family

Peter Thomas-Iman Images

Who has the longest consecutive 20-point streak in NBA history?

As of March 11, 2026, the longest consecutive scoring streak of 20 points in NBA history is tied. Wilt Chamberlain has long held the record for scoring 20 points in 126 consecutive games, but in the 2025-26 season, Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has tied that mark and will have a chance to surpass it on Thursday, March 12 against the Boston Celtics.

advertise

Chamberlain’s streak of 126 consecutive games with 20 points lasted from October 19, 1961, until midway through the next NBA regular season, when it was broken on January 19, 1963. Of course, this wasn’t the only time in Chamberlain’s illustrious career that he scored back-to-back 20-point games — he’s remained second on the all-time 20-point list for decades. From February 1963 to March 1964, Chamberlain scored more than 20 points in 92 consecutive games. From February 1960 to January 1961, Chamberlain scored 20 points in a row in 62 games.

It wasn’t until the 2025-26 NBA season that Chamberlain’s historical record was seriously challenged. In the decades before that, the closest player to 126 consecutive 20-point games was Oscar Robertson. Robertson, who ran 79 consecutive games from October 1963 to October 1964, and 72 consecutive games, completed by Kevin Durant (Thunder and Warriors) from November 2015 to November 2016, and Michael Jordan (Bulls) from December 1987 to December 1988.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander tied Chamberlain’s record on March 9, 2026. Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 35 points against the Denver Nuggets, ranks 126th in consecutive 20-point games, tied with Chamberlain — and has a chance to break that record in the next game.

More:Key stats in LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan ‘GOAT’ battle

advertise

SGA-Wilt records, explanations

Here’s what to know about Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-point streak that set an NBA record.

How did Wilt Chamberlain set this record?

Chamberlain’s record of scoring 20 points in 126 consecutive games lasted from October 19, 1961 to January 19, 1963, which is equivalent to one and a half NBA seasons.

The legendary center’s scoring streak began with a 48-point game against the Lakers and ended with a 35-point game against the St. Louis Hawks.

Chamberlain’s streak ended at 126 games, the next day on January 20, 1963, when he played just four minutes against the Hawks. He scored at least 20 points in every game for the Philadelphia Warriors during the 1961-62 season, including his famous 100-point game in 1962.

advertise

SGA draw Wilt Chamberlain

On March 9, 2026, finally a player was able to tie Chamberlain’s historical record of 20 points. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points against the Nuggets, including a game-winning 3-pointer, marking his 126th consecutive game with 20 points.

“It’s still something that’s hard for me to wrap my head around,” Gilgeous-Alexander said after the game, according to NBA.com. “Honestly, I try not to think about it, especially during the season. There’s a lot going on. A lot of things have to go right.”