Even records can be temporary. They're susceptible to becoming outdated, as the league continues to evolve.
Maybe Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's record for consecutive 20-point performances will one day meet that same fate. It stands at 141 games, besting a mark set by Wilt Chamberlain back in 1963 (126 games). And it became solidified Thursday, as he finished with 17 points in OKC's home opener against Denver.
But wins are permanent. They can't be taken away once the final seconds tick off the clock. And the Thunder secured a 96-84 win over the Nuggets despite some shooting struggles from its two-time reigning MVP.
Gilgeous-Alexander paired his 17 points with three assists, two blocks and two rebounds on 6-for-19 shooting from the field (3 for 11 from deep). He was aided by Jalen Williams, who recorded 21 points and five rebounds. Chet Holmgren also poured in 12 points and 17 boards.
Next up for OKC (2-0) is a home game against the Los Angeles Clippers at 6 p.m. CT Sunday.
Here are three takeaways from the win:
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander does the dirty work
Gilgeous-Alexander strutted through the tunnel turned runway of Paycom Center in the hours leading up to tipoff with an all-white fit. Not one stain could be seen, from the textured jacket to the crispy undershirt to the denim pants.
But Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't opposed to picking a few up. In fact, the two-time reigning MVP was eager to do the dirty work once he changed into his game attire. And he showed that late in the first quarter.
Jamal Murray got past Alex Caruso at the 3:20 mark but was met by Gilgeous-Alexander, a fellow Kentucky Wildcat who was lying in wait. He pounced with perfect timing, swatting Murray's layup and sparking a Thunder fastbreak.
Gilgeous-Alexander is also creeping up on a historic list, not one for scoring or passing but for rejections. He now has sole possession of second place for the most career blocks by a point guard in NBA history (427), only trailing John Wall (439).
Dwyane Wade holds the record for the most career blocks by any guard. He racked up 885 of them in 1,054 games. Gilgeous-Alexander has played in 532 games, making him on pace for 846 blocks if he plays in as many games as Wade.
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OKC's shooters can't sink them all
Jared McCain couldn't miss during OKC's season opener against San Antonio. Every shot looked good off of his plaid-painted fingertips, as he scored 20 points in 22 minutes on 6-for-8 shooting from deep.
So when McCain pulled the trigger on a wide-open triple at the 11:24 mark of the second quarter, the fans inside Paycom Center were ready to celebrate with their favorite sharpshooter. They were itching to mimic his signature celebration of holding three fingers up to the rafters.
But the shot clanked off the rim. Then Aday Mara snagged the offensive rebound and fed McCain for another wide-open triple. Then that one clanked off the rim too.
McCain was quick to apologize to Mara for his misses, but the rim was far less apologetic. It showed no sympathy for the home team, as OKC ultimately went 11 for 43 from deep (25.6%). A drastic dropoff from its 14-for-31 shooting (45%) against San Antonio.
While there likely won't be that much variance throughout the season, some shooting slumps are to be expected. Especially after OKC traded away Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, three guys who accounted for 405 of the team's 1,135 made 3-pointers (35.7%) last season.
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Ajay Mitchell bounced back
Maybe you don't have Ajay Mitchell as your favorite for Most Improved Player. Maybe he isn't your pick for Sixth Man of the Year either. He's in contention for both this season, although there are others around the league with better betting odds.
But regardless of what those numbers say, betting on Mitchell to bounce back is a no-brainer.
Toughness is a trademarked trait of the third-year guard, who treats bruises like a badge of honor. And he showcased that thick skin after struggling during OKC's season opener against San Antonio.
Mitchell only scored four points on 2-for-8 shooting from the field (25%) in that one. But he finished with 12 points to go along with five steals on 5-for-11 shooting from the field (45.5%) against Denver.
That production off the bench proved to be invaluable, especially when OKC's starters struggled to generate offense early on. And while off nights are inevitable, Mitchell should continue to provide a spark all season.
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Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander snaps his 20-point streak, but OKC Thunder still outlasts Nuggets