Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic streak of scoring 20+ points in 141 games came to an end in the Thunder’s home opener on a night he could not buy a bucket for three quarters.

Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t have a bucket in the first half, shot 2-of-13 through the first three quarters, and while he hit 4-of-6 in the fourth as the Thunder pulled away from the Nuggets, he finished with 17 points, ending the streak that started on Nov. 1, 2024.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said he would have left Gilgeous-Alexander in to break the record, but SGA asked to be taken out with 1:43 left. Here is Daigneault’s quote, via Brandon Rahbar of the Daily Thunder.

“I just have to note, he asked out of the game at the end of the game. The class that it shows and the perspective it shows. That was his substitution. Of all the things I admire about him, that’s up at the top of the list.”

Here is how Gilgeous-Alexander explained asking out of the game, also via Rahbar.

“I was gonna go out there. And then I saw that they had subbed [in their deep bench]. So I thought we should sub too. You always treat the game with respect.”

This had been the longest 20+ point game streak in NBA history, last season Gilgeous-Alexander passed Wilt Chamberlain, who had held the record at 127 games.

While the shots may not have been falling much of the night, Gilgeous-Alexander still positively impacted the game — he was a team-best +21. He also hit the dagger 3 that sealed the win.

Denver led much of the first three quarters, although never by double digits. Midway through the third quarter the Thunder offense found a groove, and by the fourth Gilgeous-Alexander found his, and the Thunder pulled away to win 96-84. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 21 points.

Nikola Jokic also struggled much of the night, shooting 5-of-19 on his way to 13 points in the loss. He also had seven rebounds and five assists.