Thunder's Josh Giddey Joins Elite Company With Triple-Double Against Warriors
Needing to pick up a victory against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night to remain in striking distance of the Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder got a much-needed 137-128 victory at home.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had yet another 30-point night with 33 points, but Josh Giddey stole the headlines for the Thunder in this game, recording his seventh career triple-double and third triple-double of the season.
Giddey finished the game with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists, doing a little bit of everything to help Oklahoma City secure a victory against the defending NBA champions and he now ranks tied for seventh in the league in triple-doubles this season alongside LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
What was special about Giddey's triple-double on Thursday night though was the fact that this was his seventh career triple-double and being just 20-years-old, he joined Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson as the only other players in league history with at least seven triple-doubles before turning 21-years-old.
Josh Giddey is now tied with Magic Johnson with seven triple-doubles before turning 21, as Luka Doncic currently occupies this record with 21 total triple-doubles before turning 21.
Now averaging 16.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game this season, Giddey joins LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Luka Doncic as the only 20-year-olds to average said numbers in a single season, according to StatMuse.
He may not be the flashiest scorer on his team and he may play at a very methodical pace, but Josh Giddey is one of the most underrated playmakers in the NBA and he is showing his value to the Thunder this season.
Following this win over Stephen Curry and the Warriors, Oklahoma City is now tied with the New Orleans Pelicans and the Portland Trail Blazers in the Western Conference standings for the 10-seed. The Thunder will play both teams one more time before the end of the regular season.
Making the Play-In Tournament is still a realistic goal for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring production is extremely important to their success, so is the all-around offensive production Josh Giddey supplies them with every single game.
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