Aussie star Josh Giddey ripped New Orleans with 31 points in first NBA post-season game

He’s only 20 and it was his first NBA post-season game but Josh Giddey showed why he’s a star with a massive future.

: Josh Giddey #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFP

Australian star Josh Giddey fell just short of a triple-double in the biggest game of his career as he knocked down 31 points to guide Oklahoma City Thunder into a shodown for the final spot in the NBA playoffs.

In his first ever NBA post-season match, Melbourne-born Giddey produced a stunning performance with an equal career-high 31 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds in OKC’s 123-118 victory over the Pelicans in New Orleans.

The win in the do-or-die match sets up a clash with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday with the winner to advance into the playoffs.

survive and advance.

— josh giddey (@joshgiddey) April 13, 2023

Giddey, who is still only 20, said it was everything he hoped and expected for a playoff game.

“A loud crowd, a hostile environment. As a kid you grow up wanting to be in these type of moments,” he told ESPN.

“I’m glad we came out of here with a win and we move on to the next one.”

Tempers flare after Josh Richardson’s flagrant foul on Josh Giddey. pic.twitter.com/pFWOuMaDsb

— ESPN (@espn) April 13, 2023

Giddey knows the Thunder will be in for more of the same when they go to Minneapolis

“It’s going to be a similar environment -- hostile, on the road, a do-or-die game,” Giddey said.

“It’s going to be another test, but as Shai said -- we’ve had a lot of close games and none of these moments rattle our guys. We’ll be ready for Minnesota.”

Wow @joshgiddey 👀 🔥

— Chris Anstey (@ChrisAnstey13) April 13, 2023

Giddey’s superstar teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also starred with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Originally published as Aussie star Josh Giddey ripped New Orleans with 31 points in first NBA post-season game