Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder dispatched the Sacramento Kings 121-105 during Tuesday's road showdown, securing their league-best 60th win. However, NBA fans were less than enthused about the milestone, with many predicting the Western Conference powerhouse will underwhelm come playoff time.
Gilgeous-Alexander recorded a game-high 32 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three 3-pointers, shooting 45.5%. Meanwhile, his co-star Chet Holmgren chipped in 18 points, 10 rebounds and two steals, shooting 50.0% as OKC (60-12) won its seventh straight contest.
After taking a 64-42 halftime lead, the Thunder withstood Sacramento's third-quarter run, which cut their advantage as low as six points. They outscored the Kings 32-24 in the fourth quarter to cap off their 14th victory in 15 appearances.
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Upon reaching the 60-win mark for the first time since the 2012-13 campaign, fans on X/Twitter scoffed at OKC's accomplishment.
Many asserted that the young squad is primed for an early postseason exit, with the veteran-laden LA Lakers mentioned as a candidate to play spoiler.
"Regular-season team," @shanexHCM said.
"All this to lose in the second round of the upcoming playoffs," @WordSm7th wrote.
"Half of (their wins can be) attributed to foul-baiting. Second-round exit," @ChadHodlLord said.
"Still an early playoff exit," @Shady_Justin wrote.
"Ummm, okay? Just to lose to the Lakers in six," @BronHoops23 said.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes NBA history in Thunder's league-best 60th win
With Tuesday's 32-point showing, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made NBA history, becoming the fourth player to score 20-plus points in 65-plus straight contests in a single season. The three-time All-Star joins NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain (80 games [twice]), Oscar Robertson (76 games) and Michael Jordan (69 games) in the achievement.
Gilgeous-Alexander's feat could be one of the finishing touches on his bid for his first MVP. He remains the heavy favorite to take home the award, with -2000 odds.
Moreover, OKC appears poised to surpass its franchise record of 64 wins, set in the 1995-96 season, when the organization was still the Seattle SuperSonics.
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