NBA: OKC Thunder coach’s reality check amid Josh Giddey hype

Despite the hype surrounding Australian star Josh Giddey, OKC Thunder coach Mark Daigneault was quick to dampen expectations.

Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault reminded the NBA world Josh Giddey was still “a baby” in terms of his experience as the Thunder fought valiantly in an eight-point loss to the Golden State Warriors at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma.

The Warriors, who were heavily tipped to select Giddey with the seventh pick in the 2021 NBA Draft before the Thunder plucked him with the sixth pick, ran out 106-98 victors despite the home side leading 59-48 at halftime.

Steve Kerr’s side got to witness first-hand what the young Aussie can do, as Giddey notched a team-leading nine rebounds and four assists as well as finishing with seven points — including one three-pointer.

The 19-year-old’s shooting game again wasn’t in full flight throughout the 27 minutes he was on the court, making only four shots from 13 attempts.

Still, Giddey’s performance led to more glowing reviews from the NBA world.

Sports podcaster Eddie Radosevich tweeted: “I’ve seen Josh Giddey run up and down the court roughly 50 times in four games and I’m ready to declare he will be a 12x All-Star and streets will be named after him. Me probably first. But him as well.”

The Athletic writer Sam Vecenie wrote: “If Josh Giddey can make those catch-and-shoot 3s in rhythm without dropping the ball on his gather and just firing, he’s going to be awesome.”

Sports writer Rylan Stiles tweeted: “Josh Giddey catch and shoot 3 in the corner, you love to see it.”

Josh Giddey led the Thunder in rebounds and assists in their loss against the Warriors. Picture: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images/AFP

Despite another impressive stat line for the Melbourne native, Thunder boss Daigneault made sure to temper expectations for the youngster.

“He's a baby in terms of his NBA career,” Daigneault said. “He is four games into his career.

“There will be ups and downs, especially when he is in the thick of it.”

For the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins were the standout performers as they contributed 23 and 21 points respectively.

Joe Ingles was also in action for the Utah Jazz and posted 13 points as they defeated fellow Western Conference contenders Denver Nuggets.

The Australian star also bagged five rebounds and four assists as the Jazz won 122-110.

Ingles was seven from 11 in shooting, but it was Rudy Gobert who made headlines, hitting 23 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

The Jazz now moves to a 3-0 record since the season began and are one of two undefeated sides in the Western Conference alongside the Warriors.

Originally published as NBA: OKC Thunder coach’s reality check amid Josh Giddey hype