Josh Giddey torches Pelicans with 31 points to take Thunder to playoff contention

Aussie NBA golden boy Josh Giddey has sent tongues wagging, coming up clutch in the biggest game of his career.

The Pelicans had no answers for Giddey. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFP

Josh Giddey and the Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t done just yet after knocking out the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday.

The tenth seed in the Western Conference delivered their biggest performance of the season as they secured the 123-118 victory.

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It means they’ll now take on the Minnesota Timberwolves for a place in the first round of the NBA playoffs against the top seeded Denver Nuggets.

The Thunder were fuelled to victory behind their superstar backcourt duo consisting of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Aussie star Josh Giddey.

SGA finished the contest with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists, but it was Giddey who stole the show.

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

— ESPN (@espn) April 13, 2023

The 20-year-old from Down Under has taken his game to extraordinary heights in his second season and displayed his offensive prowess when it was needed most.

Giddey fired up in the final quarter after getting hit below the belt by Josh Richardson, having to be held back by a teammate.

His cool and calm demeanor however was on point for the majority of the contest as he picked the Pelicans apart defensively.

Often known for his out-of-this-world passing ability, it was offensively where he shone bright as he finished with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists on the night.

The Pelicans had no answers for Giddey. Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images/AFP

Fans watching on were in awe of what the Aussie and his young Thunder teammates were producing on the day.

WWOS’ Chris De Silva wrote: “OKC is going to be a serious, serious problem next year and beyond. This is some grown man shit from Josh Giddey in the biggest game of his life.”

Presenter Curtis Fitzpatrick wrote: “Not sure Giddey has looked this good, ever.”

Josh Giddey has been cookin' in this game as OKC contest a tight one with the Pelicans. pic.twitter.com/4cllyUm4pH

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) April 13, 2023

Former NBA player JJ Redick wrote: “Hey Josh Giddey is good.”

The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann wrote: “Giddey has been absolutely fantastic.”

Giddey’s 31 points were an equal career high for the 20-year old, with OKC beat writer Brandon Rahbar calling his free throws at the death “ice cold”.

“Biggest stage: best game,” he said.

Phoenix sportscaster Tim Ring said Giddey had a “bright future”.

Skip Bayless waxed lyrical about OKC’s young team, calling him a “taller Austin Reaves”, alongside “superstar” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and “defensive force” Luguentz Dort.

Josh Giddey has been outstanding. Big time performance.

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) April 13, 2023

“Chet Holmgren will give OKC a legit shot-blocker and stretch 5,” he said.

“15 first-round picks in the next five years. Terrific young coach.

“Yes, I can see a championship in OKC’s future.”

The praise wasn’t limited to America either, with Australians tuning in during office hours stunning by the 20-year-old’s performance.

“Love that performance from Josh Giddey, love Thunder’s overall performance even more,” said Age journalist Roy Ward.

“31, 10 and 9 in a go hard or go home game. Ridiculous. Words don’t do proper justice to just how big this is,” said ESPN journalist Steve Smith.

News Corp’s Ronny Lerner said Giddey was “gonna make this country proud for a very long time.”

Originally published as Josh Giddey torches Pelicans with 31 points to take Thunder to playoff contention