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Australian young gun Josh Giddey has become the youngest player in NBA history to score a triple-double, but it wasn’t enough for his Oklahoma City to overcome the Dallas Mavericks.
Giddey was a shining light in the Thunder’s 86-95 defeat, scoring 17 points, making 13 rebounds and providing 14 assists. The latter mark is not only a career high, but a Thunder record.
At just 19 years and 84 days old, the rising star is eight weeks younger than previous record-holder LaMelo Ball, who set the mark in January 2021.
Josh Giddey’s historic final line:
17 points
14 assists
13 rebounds
4 steals
3-5 from 3
2 TOs
+6 plus minus (w/o SGA & Dort)Best overall game from a rookie this season.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 3, 2022
Giddey also made four steals as he did everything in his power to lift the Thunder over the line.
It comes after six previous double-doubles for the season, including some near-misses for his maiden triple-double.
Josh Giddey (19 years, 84 days) is now the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double: 17 PTS, 14 AST, 13 REB, 4 STL, 3 TO@joshgiddey: 19-84
LaMelo: 19-140
Fultz: 19-317
Luka: 19-327
Lonzo: 20-015pic.twitter.com/dVEvji6aDz— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 3, 2022
The list of players Giddey has pipped for the award makes for some reading; it includes current superstars Luka Doncic and LeBron James, and all-time great Magic Johnson.
Josh Giddey is officially the youngest player in NBA history with a triple-double (19 years, 84 days).
LaMelo Ball (19 years, 140 days)
Markelle Fultz (19 years, 317 days)
Luka Doncic (19 years, 327 days)
LeBron James (20 years, 20 days)
Magic Johnson (20 years, 75 days)— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) January 3, 2022
The NBA is 75 years old and more than 4380 players have played in this league.
This 19 year old Australian kid just became the youngest EVER to record a triple double. Beyond proud of you @joshgiddey ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XFwsrqYjPS
— Daniel Moldovan (@AgentMoldovan) January 3, 2022
Making the feat even more impressive, it was his first game back after missing three matches due to the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols.
Taken with pick six in the NBA draft, the teenage sensation is a frontrunner for the NBA’s prestigious Rookie of the Year award.
However, it would be Mavericks star Luke Doncic, who has been tipped out of the top three youngest triple-double scorers by Giddey’s feat, who would secure victory, with 14 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in the win.
Despite the loss, Giddey was clearly thrilled with the achievement, posting to Twitter immediately afterwards.
history❤️I love my team
— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) January 3, 2022