‘My goodness’: Josh Giddey’s absurd 85-foot quarterback pass sends NBA into meltdown
Josh Giddey has sent the NBA into meltdown, launching an absurd quarterback pass that rocketed down the length of the court.
NBA
Don't miss out on the headlines from NBA. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Josh Giddey can practically do it all right now.
Following on from his season-high 25-point performance in OKC’s shock domination of Boston, Giddey has stunned with one of the passes of the season against Orlando on Thursday (AEDT).
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The Aussie early in the second quarter threw a spearing NFL quarterback-like pass to Kenrich Williams, who was under the hoop but falling out of bounds and quickly kicked out to Lu Dort for a three-pointer in an epic sequence.
FULL-COURT QB PASS FROM GIDDEY ð¤¯@okcthunder | #ThunderUppic.twitter.com/hOuHacuh2v
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 5, 2023
My goodness, Josh Giddey ð¿@okcthunder | #ThunderUppic.twitter.com/WEFd8WDwJR
— Bally Sports Oklahoma (@BallySportsOK) January 5, 2023
Josh Giddey with the greatest pass in Florida since Dan Marino:https://t.co/z5gf4CCWei
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 5, 2023
Josh Giddey has entered the portal
— Joe Mussatto (@joe_mussatto) January 5, 2023
pic.twitter.com/W4bDJJbZ0D
“Oh Giddey, just rifled it like a quarterback!” Thunder commentator Chris Fisher exclaimed.
“This is going to make (NFL quarterback legend) Joe Montana really pleased if he saw this replay. Look at that pass on a rope to Kenrich Wiliams, (who) set it up for Dort and he finished it off.
“Just so much had to go right for that ball to end up a three-point shot.
“Giddey, of course, makes it look easy – he’s been making spectacular passes like that over the last year plus.
“But that one is up there, that was 85 feet.”
Fellow commentator Michael Cage added: “There was a lot of really great things about the play. First of all, he made a great pass, right in the pocket.
“Kennrich had to control and not go out of bounds with the basketball, and somehow threw it right to Lu Dort, who was in the right spot to receive it.”
Despite the dazzling play and Giddey earning more plaudits for his improved three-point shot – making a pair from deep in the first half – and the Thunder coming off their biggest win for the season over the Celtics – they fell to Orlando 115-126 to slide to 16-22 overall.
It starts with Chip Engelland, who absolutely has his fingerprints on Giddeyâs improved shooting.
— Nick Crain (@CrainNBA) January 5, 2023
To be clear, we shouldnât expect the recent efficiency to continue, as inconsistency will come again, but itâs a positive sign overall.
Side Note: 90.9% FT since Dec. 1
Josh Giddey is 5-8 from 3 in the last 24 hours.
— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 5, 2023
Chip Engelland, take a bow.
Josh Giddey's now hit two 3-pointers in the first half versus Orlando.
— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) January 5, 2023
About ready to say we are witnessing a shooting revival.
Giddey added 16 points, five rebounds and four assists in 31 minutes.
Elsewhere, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 33 for OKC, while Paolo Banchero (25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists), Terrence Ross (18 points) and Wendell Carter Jr. (13 points, 13 rebounds, two blocks) led the way for the Magic.
The Magic sapped a three-game losing streak to improve to 14-24.
Originally published as ‘My goodness’: Josh Giddey’s absurd 85-foot quarterback pass sends NBA into meltdown