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.
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.
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.
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.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Who needs Ben Simmons?
Nat
Roar Guru
Yeah, on top of his talent his character will win him a lot of new fans. :thumbup:
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
Ah! I didn’t realise this was on SBS. I started tracking it when he was at 9-4-7 early in the third and thought he was a chance. How was his humility in the post-match interview? Said it was pretty cool or something like that. Haha!
Nat
Roar Guru
Glad I found this game on SBS today. It became obvious quite quickly his stats were racking up. His passing was sensational, as always. So happy I got to watch history as it happened.
JGK
Roar Guru
Not just a triple double either - a triple 13. Also, in his last game he was the first player in 50 odd years to get a double double without scoring a point. And I think tonight he also became the youngest to lead all players in scoring, rebounds and assists in a match - joining Luca as the only teenagers to do it.
Lara
Guest
Holy crap n the kid is still learning !
Nathan Cirson
Roar Pro
Phenomenal effort from Josh! So humble in his approach. The ceiling is very high for this kid and he’s climbing quickly towards it.