Aussie star Josh Giddey joins great Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books following historic triple-double

Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey is only 20, but he already sits in the record books alongside the greats.

Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain (1968) as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their first two games at Madison Square Garden.

Australian NBA star Josh Giddey has described breaking a 54-year-old triple-double drought as “special” after he produced a sublime performance in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s thrilling overtime win against the New York Knicks.

Giddey became the first player since 1968 to record successive triple-doubles in a player’s first two games at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday morning.

The Melbourne-born guard dropped 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists in the Thunder’s 145-135 victory over the Knicks.

Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles during their first two games at the Garden.

⭐️ @joshgiddey records his second triple-double at Madison Square Garden! #ThunderUp

📊 24 PTS | 12 AST | 10 REB pic.twitter.com/eQDxvEZKfL

— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) November 13, 2022

The rising Boomer couldn’t wipe the smile off his face when he was asked about his fifth career triple-double post-game.

“Anytime you can be mentioned within the names of greats like that, it’s special,” Giddey said.

“But basketball is a team game, so if those things contribute to winning and helping my guys around me be better, then it makes it worth it.”

Josh Giddey joins Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books. Picture: Getty Images

There was late drama though, with Giddey’s initial rebound to claim the triple-double being taken away before the Australian grabbed another board with 14 seconds left.

It also marked a season-high scoring performance from the 20-year-old, who shot 10-of-14 from the field (71 per cent) with two triples.

Giddey grew up in Australia watching games at Madison Square Garden on the television, dreaming that one day he would play at the world-renowned venue.

“We come here once a year, so you’ve got to have fun while you’re here,” he said.

“Luckily in my time we’ve had two wins so far, so it’s been good so far.

“It’s a fun place to play — obviously the most famous arena in the world — I always have this arena circled on my calendar and I can’t wait to come back next year.”

"We're playing the right way...we're playing unselfish, fast and for each other."@NickAGallo talks with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey after the Thunder's 145-135 win over the Knicks. pic.twitter.com/2U5GQOkRa8

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 13, 2022

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Giddey found his rhythm late in the second game with Milwaukee through his offensive rebounding.

The young gun said he’s at his best when he’s “getting downhill” and using his size.

“The floaters haven’t been dropping for me this year, so just trying to get into the paint, staying confident with my shot and just reading what the defence is giving me,” he said.

“I’ve started to realise I’m usually a bit bigger than a lot of these guys guarding me, so trying to finish over the top of them and being stronger with the ball.

“Things I’ve been working on at practice and trying to emulate that in a game, but it felt good out there.”

Originally published as Aussie star Josh Giddey joins great Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books following historic triple-double