NBA wrap: Josh Giddey propels himself into elite company as Patty Mills can’t stop scoring

The superlatives continue to roll in for Josh Giddey as he rocketed himself into an elite tier only two players can lay claim to.

Josh Giddey has found himself in some serious elite company that proves he’s on the path to greatness. Picture: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Josh Giddey is collecting accolade after accolade in his rookie NBA season, with his latest game propelling him into an elite tier that only LeBron James and LaMelo Ball can rival.

In the Thunder’s 110-104 loss to Western Conference heavyweights Utah Jazz, Giddey bagged 19 points, seven rebounds and a team-leading eight assists to make him join Ball and James as the only teenagers in NBA history to reach 100 assists and 100 rebounds in their first 20 games.

It represents a remarkable rise for the 19-year-old who has earned all the superlatives directed his way this season.

Giddey’s hot shooting streak continued, with the highlight coming via a three-point buzzer beater just before the halftime siren to send the Paycom Centre in Oklahoma City into raptures.

If Giddey joining the company of Ball and James wasn’t enough to prove he’s destined for the top, his standout game against the Jazz moves him head and shoulders above his rookie compatriots.

He leads the NBA freshmen with four games of 15+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists. Detroit Pistons youngster Cade Cunningham sits just behind him with three games of that stat line.

Despite the loss, Giddey continued to earn rave reviews as he affirmed his early credentials to be the Rookie of the Year.

Josh Giddey has legitimately been playing ROY level basketball in his last 6 games.

— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) November 25, 2021

Josh Giddey with the buzzer-beater!! 😱😱 pic.twitter.com/Asojz2VzTI

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) November 25, 2021

Josh Giddey is mesmerizing

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) November 25, 2021

Josh Giddey is what Ben Simmons would be if Ben Simmons was good at basketball

— Jacob Shames (@Jacob_Shames) November 25, 2021

A 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 real recognise real moment.@Joeingles7 🤝 @joshgiddey#NBLxNBApic.twitter.com/3E2WV18TdV

— The NBL (@NBL) November 25, 2021

Giddey outshone his fellow Australian and Jazz star Joe Ingles, who was kept quiet by the youthful Thunder side.

Ingles mustered only three points, a single rebound and two assists in the 22 minutes he was on the hardwood.

The veteran has failed to find the form that makes him a cult hero with the Salt Lake City faithful, but ultimately it didn’t matter in the final result, as the Jazz now sit pretty in third spot in the Western Conference with a 12-6 record, while the Thunder find themselves 6-12.

Giddey continues to earn deserved plaudits for the way he has started his NBA career. Picture: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

MILLS MAKES WAVES FROM OUTSIDE THE ARC

If Patty Mills hadn’t already established himself as one of the NBA’s best shooters from three-point range, then he certainly made himself stand out with a blistering performance for Brooklyn against the Boston Celtics.

Mills sank seven three-pointers on his way to a 23-point haul as the Nets won 123-104 at the TD Garden in Boston.

The Boomers captain went into the game shooting 48.6 per cent from three-point range, the third highest percentage across the entire NBA.

Mills’ insane three-point game against the Celtics was the third time he had made more than seven shots from outside the arc, further underlining his credentials as one of the most elite three-point scorers in the entire league.

The 23 points from the Canberra native was also a team-leading figure, with Nets superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden not trailing too far behind with 21 and 20 points respectively.

Mills has been making the most of his starting berths, taking advantage of Joe Harris’ continued absence through injury to notch his third 20-point game in his last six outings.

Despite his outstanding individual performance, Mills hailed the win as a true team effort that had no complicated plan, rather it was the five men on the court “playing with that enthusiasm”.

Patty Mills was in sensational form from three-point range. Picture: Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

“I know you’re expecting some grand scheme, out of the vault stuff, but I think we just came in and brought the juice, brought the enthusiasm on both ends of the floor, more specifically on the defensive end,” Mills said.

“We got deflections, we got steals and then we ended possessions with a defensive rebound.

“I think just playing with that enthusiasm, it’s fun when you’re playing like that.”

Brooklyn’s win streak now stretches to four in a row and Mills believes the confidence in the group is only going to grow.

“I think you gain a lot of confidence from your teammates and being able to feed off of each other,” Mills said. “I think that’s how you make your teammates better.

“It’s a fun group to be a part of, it’s a fun group to learn from.”

Nets coach Steve Nash hailed the Australian after the 19-point victory and was quick to point out just how crucial he has been to the team since moving from the San Antonio Spurs.

“Patty was unbelievable tonight and he’s been huge for us all year,” Nash said. “He does so many things for us that makes us better.”

Brooklyn’s win moves them to a 14-5 record and maintains their position at the summit of the Eastern Conference, while Boston slips to 10-9.

Patty Mills is killing the Celtics on corner 3s.

— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) November 25, 2021

Patty Mills is one clutch dude.

— Ryan Ruocco (@RyanRuocco) November 25, 2021

I may be a little bias, as a Brooklyn fan, but Patty Mills might be the greatest shooter of all time.

— Peter Hooley (@PeterHooley12) November 25, 2021

Originally published as NBA wrap: Josh Giddey propels himself into elite company as Patty Mills can’t stop scoring