NBA wrap: Josh Giddey’s first triple-double continues to elude him as Patty Mills plays key role

While Josh Giddey looks to have solved his biggest issue, he continues to come ever closer to making NBA history in his rookie season.

Josh Giddey led the Thunder in points scored but failed to earn his first NBA triple-double. Picture: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Josh Giddey’s quest for his elusive first NBA triple-double continues despite going into halftime as a serious contender for the historic milestone as the Thunder went down 113-101 to the Atlanta Hawks.

The 19-year-old continued to impress with his shooting game and scored 15 points, the fourth-straight game he has clocked double figures after a barren scoring run.

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Giddey’s 15 points was an equal team-leading figure alongside Luguentz Dort.

The former Adelaide 36ers star also had seven rebounds and eight assists, leaving him just a whisker away from making history.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, at 19 years and 317 days, holds the record for the youngest player to post the fabled stat line, beating out Markelle Fultz by 177 days to claim the title.

Giddey, who only turned 19 in October, was on triple-double watch at halftime as he went into the break with nine points, six assists and five rebounds.

He was directing the offence in place of Thunders star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who missed the Hawks game due to an ankle injury suffered against the Boston Celtics on Sunday (AEDT).

Nah man, Josh Giddey is just too good lol

— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) November 23, 2021

I could watch Josh Giddey zip cross court passes all day. It’s amazing how much success he has on those.

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 23, 2021

Giddey’s tough. #NBApic.twitter.com/OmS2970K5c

— Donnell Suggs (@suggswriter) November 23, 2021

Josh Giddey is still waiting to earn his first NBA triple-double. Picture: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

Mills continues hot scoring streak

Patty Mills continued his rich vein of shooting form with an impressive display for the Nets against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

It was the fourth game in five that Mills clocked double figures, notching 17 points and three assists as the Nets ran out 117-112 victors.

Mills was the third-highest scorer for the Nets behind Kevin Durant’s haul of 27 and LaMarcus Aldridge’s 21.

The Boomers skipper’s scoring streak also puts him on the path to some seriously elite numbers.

Last season for the San Antonio Spurs, Mills enjoyed a career-high 161 threes. This season he already has 51 three-pointers to his name. If he keeps this pace up, he’s be on track for almost 250 threes by the time the season is done.

The win moves the Nets to a 13-5 record as Steve Nash’s side fight tooth and nail with the Chicago Bulls at the summit of the Eastern Conference.

Patty Mills continued his insane scoring streak. Picture: Sarah Stier/Getty Images/AFP

Originally published as NBA wrap: Josh Giddey’s first triple-double continues to elude him as Patty Mills plays key role