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Gilgeous-Alexander Breaks Wilt Chamberlain's Free Throw Record

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, March 13th 2026 at 3:43 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

Oklahoma City, OK - March 13th, 2026 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cemented his place in NBA history today, breaking one of the league's most enduring records previously held by the legendary Wilt Chamberlain. During Friday's game, Gilgeous-Alexander eclipsed Chamberlain's mark for most consecutive free throws made without a miss to begin a season, hitting his 84th straight free throw and surpassing the Hall of Famer's 83-streak set during the 1961-62 season.

The achievement is particularly noteworthy given the sheer longevity of Chamberlain's record. For over sixty years, the specter of 'The Stilt' loomed over any player approaching a similar feat. Chamberlain, a dominant force in the early years of the NBA, set countless records during his career, many of which were considered unbreakable. To witness one of those fall, particularly in this era of athletic parity and heightened scrutiny, is a testament to Gilgeous-Alexander's remarkable consistency and mental fortitude.

Gilgeous-Alexander's streak began on October 23rd, 2025, and has been a quietly astonishing subplot to an already impressive season. While the Oklahoma City Thunder have been steadily rising in the Western Conference standings, Gilgeous-Alexander has been their consistent driving force, and now, their record-breaker. He isn't just making free throws; he's not missing them, a distinction that highlights the mental pressure involved. Each trip to the line carries the weight of potentially ending the streak, and the 25-year-old has handled it with composure that belies his relatively young age.

Beyond the numbers themselves, this record speaks volumes about the evolution of the game. While Chamberlain played in a different era, where offensive strategies and defensive styles differed significantly, the fundamental challenge of shooting free throws remains the same. The increased pressure from media, fans, and opposing players in the modern NBA arguably makes Gilgeous-Alexander's accomplishment even more impressive. Social media attention, and constant highlight reel analysis, add layers of pressure not present in Chamberlain's time.

Gilgeous-Alexander's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Drafted in the 2018 NBA draft, he initially spent time with the Charlotte Hornets before being traded to the Thunder. Initially viewed as a promising young player with potential, he's blossomed into a bona fide superstar, leading the Thunder in scoring and becoming the focal point of their rebuilding efforts. This season, his average of over 30 points per game places him among the league's elite scorers. But his game is about more than just scoring; his playmaking abilities and defensive prowess have elevated the entire Thunder roster.

Analysts are now debating where Gilgeous-Alexander's career trajectory will take him. Many are predicting an MVP award in the near future, and some are even beginning to discuss his potential to challenge LeBron James' longevity record. While those comparisons may be premature, the fact that his name is being mentioned in such company is a clear indication of his impact on the league.

Looking forward, the question isn't just whether Gilgeous-Alexander can continue the streak - though that will be a major storyline for the remainder of the season - but how this accomplishment will shape his legacy. Breaking a record held by a legend like Wilt Chamberlain is a defining moment for any player, and it will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come. It's a moment that solidifies SGA's status as not just a star player, but a true icon of the game. The Thunder faithful, and NBA fans around the world, are witnessing the emergence of something special in Oklahoma City.