As Josh Giddey Continues Getting Back on Track, Sunday Could Be a Turning Point
Overall, it’s been a rough season for the Thunder’s third-year guard Josh Giddey. But that’s not out of the ordinary for a 21-year old. There’s mountains and valleys across an NBA career, and there have been plenty of high points throughout his first two season in Oklahoma City. But this year has been about battling through adversity and finding a role on the best team in the Western Conference.
Adding Chet Holmgren to the mix and factoring in Jalen Williams’ rise has made things difficult for a player like Giddey. He went from being the No. 2 option with the ball in his hands quite a bit to the No. 4 option and a spot up shooter half the time. He’s adjusting to defenses thrown at him and how to attack centers off the dribble in real time. It’s hard to adjust on the fly, and even harder when your play is consistently under a magnifying glass.
If Sunday is any indication, though, Giddey’s confidence is slowly returning and he’s figuring out how to make an impact.
“Obviously it’s been a different year for me,” Giddey said after the Thunder’s double overtime win against Toronto. “With guys coming in, sacrifices are needed for a team like this, and the success we’ve had requires that. I think guys have done a great job of making the right play and we’ve got so much talent on this team that it’s not gonna be everyone’s night on every night.”
Giddey started the second half on the bench, and responded with perhaps his best stretch of the season. He finished the game with 24 points on 9-of-15 shooting and drilled two timely triples. He added six assists and six rebounds, too. He was a team-high plus-17 in his season high of 41 minutes.
“I’m just trying to get back to me,” Giddey said. “I thought tonight was a good step in the right direction in terms of confidence and decision making. I think it’s not gonna be over night, it takes time and progress is never linear with things like this. I’m 21 years old, I’m gonna go through tough stretches — as I’ve been through for most of the season — but I’m trying to not let it faze me.”
Oklahoma City is rolling at 35-15, on pace for 57 wins, and Giddey hasn’t even hit his stride yet. He is now the last piece of the puzzle that can push this team over the top, and he knows it.
Giddey is capable of playing great basketball and has a bright future in the NBA. Rough stretches — and rough seasons — happen to even the best players. But if this performance can be a turning point for him, Oklahoma City will benefit in a big way.
“It is tough at times when you go through these stretches and it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “You’ve gotta think big picture and everyone goes through this, you’re never alone.”
If he can be a consistent connector and knockdown open triples, it’ll go a long way for the Thunder in the long run.
“It’s been a tough season and I’m trying to get things back on track, but more importantly, the team has been awesome,” Giddey said. “There’s a lot of season left but we’re headed in the right direction.”
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