At a young age, Josh Giddey continues to breach through history and be placed in the record books. And this Sunday, he can’t ask for a much better place to settle his new milestone – as he transformed Madison Square Garden into his own playground.
The wonder guard from Australia performed at his best when all focus and attention were directed to him. Indeed, he didn’t fail to impress.
Giddey dropped his first triple-double of the season, carving up 24 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds to lead Oklahoma City Thunder in moving past the New York Knicks in a high-scoring weekend duel, 145-135.
His backcourt mate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went off for game-high 37 markers to go with eight assists and five boards.
“We come here once a year, so you got to have fun while we’re here and luckily in my time we’ve had two wins, so it’s been going good so far,” Giddey said, via Sporting News’ Bemyam Kidane.
“It’s a fun place to play, obviously the most famous arena in the world so I have this arena circled on my calendar and can’t wait to come back next year.”
Besides picking up the win, Giddey took a historic honor that hasn’t been done since the 60s.
He just became the second player since Wilt Chamberlain to register two triple-doubles in their first two plays within the MSG.
“Any time your name is within company like that, one of the all-time greats, it’s special,” Giddey said postgame.
“But basketball’s a team game, so if those things contribute to winning and helping my guys around me get better then it makes it worth it. Anytime you can be mentioned with greats like that it’s special.”
Giddey will look to continue cementing his name in the pantheon of milestones as they face the red-hot Boston Celtics on Monday.
