'Crazy: Josh Giddey stuns fans with wild slice of NBA history
Australian NBA rookie Josh Giddey has turned heads by becoming the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double.
The 19-year-old surpassed the previous mark set by fellow NBL alumni LaMelo Ball, becoming just the fourth teenager to do so in the NBA's history.
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Giddey tallied an impressive 17 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds, throwing in two steals for good measure in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, 95-86.
It's not the first time Giddey has set records in his rookie year, with the Melbourne-born guard becoming the first player in 50 years to record a double-double without scoring a single point just over a week ago.
Giddey had missed the previous three games after being required to isolate under the NBA's health and safety protocols, returning as fellow back court star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander entered the protocols.
The Aussie star outplayed former rookie of the year Luka Doncic, who had 14 points, 10 assist and 9 boards of his own.
The Thunder selected Giddey with the sixth overall pick after he spent a season with the Adelaide 36ers of the NBL.
They've been rewarded with a player who has displayed superlative passing ability in a 6-foot-8 frame, currently averaging 10.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
OKC Thunder fans were thrilled with another breakthrough performance from the young star.
Australia might have won Gold at the Olympics if Giddey was picked... 😬🤔 https://t.co/8Dbc1YP7RR
— Hayley Wildes (@wildes_hayley) January 3, 2022
"A win is always better than individual stats."
Giddey remains humble after having such a successful night.@okcthunder | #ThunderUp pic.twitter.com/VICgfyJYkZ— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 3, 2022
It’s not even like Giddey only just did it either. Absolutely romped it in. https://t.co/duumQzOnlO
— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) January 3, 2022
Mike Wilks on Josh Giddey’s triple double: “I’m happy for him. Im proud of him. Smart… got a lot of room for growth and improvement.”
He’s right: Giddey is just scratching the surface as the 2nd youngest player in the league.— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 3, 2022
Josh Giddey’s line tonight is crazy:
Josh Giddey, 17 pts, 13 reb, 14 ast, 4 stl, 3-5 3P
Youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.
This rookie class ... https://t.co/07GHKa4gv4— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) January 3, 2022
Josh Giddey finishes with 17 points, 14 assists, 13 rebounds, four steals and just two turnovers. Despite the loss, he emphatically outplayed all-star guard Luka Doncic. Played with verve and confidence. What a night! https://t.co/o400MkCO97
— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) January 3, 2022
Bucks, Bulls continue NBA winning streaks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has opened 2022 in style with his second triple-double of the NBA season leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 136-113 win at home over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday.
In four games since returning from COVID-19 protocols that caused him to miss five games, Antetokounmpo has averaged 33 points, 11.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
"I'm just trying to stay aggressive," Antetokounmpo said after his 35 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists helped Milwaukee to a sixth straight win.
"I feel I'm at my best when I'm aggressive, not just for me but the team because I can create open shots."
The two-time MVP's other triple-double this season came on December 12, when he had 20 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a victory over the New York Knicks.
New Orleans' Josh Hart narrowly missed a triple-double of his own with 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.
Jordan Nwora had 23 points and Jrue Holiday 21 for the Bucks who improved to 25-13, and third spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Chicago extended their lead in the East after DeMar DeRozan hit a three-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight game to give the Bulls a 120-119 win at the Washington Wizards.
Kyle Kuzma's triple with 3.3 seconds left gave Washington a 119-117 lead, until DeRozan beat the Wizards in the same way he downed the Indiana Pacers on Friday.
"It's amazing, especially doing it on the road," DeRozan said.
"I don't know if I'm dreaming or if it's real right now."
DeRozan finished with 28 points and Zach LaVine had 35 to help the Bulls (24-10) to a seventh straight win, their longest streak since December 2014.
With AAP
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