Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Josh Giddey becomes youngest player in NBA to record triple-double
- Giddey surpassed LaMelo Ball as the youngest player in the league to record a triple-double
- The 19-year-old rookie made an impact all over the floor as he logged 17 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds against the Mavericks
Australian rookie Josh Giddey has cemented his place in NBA history, becoming the youngest player to record a triple-double.
Less than three months after his 19th birthday, the Oklahoma City Thunder rookie from Melbourne, achieved something he had threatened several times in his first season, putting up an impressive stat line against the Dallas Mavericks, with 17 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds.
Back after three games in Covid-19 safety protocols, Giddey surpassed LaMelo Ball as the youngest player to perform the feat.
While Giddey put up what was arguably his best performance against the Mavericks, it wasn’t enough to help his side to victory, with the Thunder going down 95-86.
“The individual stats are good, you enjoy it for the night, but a win is always better than individual stats,” Giddey said. “If I have zero-zero-zero and we win, it’s always better than if I have a triple-double and lose.”
Jason Kidd, the OKC coach, who had 107 triple-doubles during his playing career, was impressed by Giddey’s performance.
“He’s unselfish. As a 19-year-old, he understands how to play the game,” Kidd said. “He’s comfortable with the ball, his teammates all know that if he has it, they’re gonna cut, because there’s a chance that they can get it. He’s comfortable shooting the 3. He has the total package.