‘Awesome’ Aussie Josh Giddey shatters NBA history in triple-double record

Aussie star Josh Giddey has entered the NBA record books as the 19-year-old finally broke a mark which has narrowly eluded him all season.

What a star Josh Giddey is. Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images

Aussie star Josh Giddey has smashed the all-time record as the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double.

At just 19 years and 84 days old, Giddey has lowered the bar a long way — taking the record off Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball, who at 19 years and 140 days last season was the previous youngest player to rack up double digit statlines in points, rebounds and assists.

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But despite a fresh slice of NBA history, Giddey’s Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Dallas Mavericks 95-86.

Giddey had been out of action due to Covid protocols and returned for the match against the Mavericks. He put on a show as he led the Thunder in points (17), rebounds (13) and assists (14) — the last figure column a career-high for the young Australian.

For 12 years LeBron James held the record for youngest player to drop a triple-double before Lonzo Ball, Markelle Fultz, Ball and now Giddey have continued to set new marks since 2017. Luka Doncic didn’t break the record but was also a teenager when he had his first triple-double.

Giddey also tied the NBA assist record for teenagers at 14 alongside James and Zach LaVine.

He could have broken the record if this attempt had been finished.

Giddey should’ve had a 15th assist pic.twitter.com/K6G5aYJdoK

— Phil Murphy (@Phil_Sports) January 3, 2022

Needing one rebound to break the record, Andrew Wiggins pinched one from the Aussie. Asked if he knew Giddey was a rebound away, he said: “Uh.. no. I heard the crowd and I immediately knew.”

He said he went straight up to Giddey and said: “My fault.”

But Giddey didn’t have to wait long, finally securing his 10th rebound with four minutes left in the final quarter to complete the triple-double.

One of the ESPN commentators said: “That’s terrific, it’s coming in the right way because he’s worked hard in a lot of different areas just to get that.”

Another commentator called Giddey’s third quarter a “passing clinic”.

Josh Giddey has finally done it. Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

But after the match, Giddey said the numbers matter less than the result.

“I mean, it’s cool but as I said earlier in the year, stats are good, you enjoy it for the night, but a win is always better than individual stats for me,” he said. “If I had 0-0-0 and we win then I’m more happy than if I have triple-doubles. It’s always been that way for me and always will be.”

He also laughed when asked if he was happy to get the milstone so people stop talking about it, adding, “yes, I am happy”.

Social media went nuts for the Aussie young gun.

The youngest in NBA history. This kid is EVERYTHING

— Steve Smith (@stevesmithffx) January 3, 2022

19yo Josh Giddey just became the youngest player EVER to record a triple-double in the #NBA 💯🇦🇺🏀💪👊 pic.twitter.com/4SopXNp8ve

— John Casey (@JohnCasey2880) January 3, 2022

Josh Giddey tonight: 17 points, 13 rebounds and 14 assists. And beyond just the numbers, he was awesome. Knocked down pull-up jumpers, got the rim, hit 3s and really showed some competitive juice. It was the kind of stuff that makes your eyes wide thinking about his potential.

— Royce Young (@royceyoung) January 3, 2022

Josh Giddey can save this game and my soul by getting a triple double

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) January 3, 2022

Josh Giddey gets his first career triple double in the NBA. Hopefully the first of many for the young Aussie.

It's a joy watching his selfless style of basketball coupled with his amazing court vision.

— Alexander Grant (@AlexGrantOz) January 3, 2022

If we're being honest

Giddey should have had this jawn last month!

Had two double doubles in boards and dimes in December but shot 4/14 in one game and 0/8 in another https://t.co/0XXTdxrti6

— Law Murray 🎂 (@LawMurrayTheNU) January 3, 2022

After the match, interim head coach Mike Wilks praised Giddey but added he has so much more improvement to come.

“I’m happy for him, I’m proud of him, he’s a great worker,” he said. “I get to spend a lot of time with him, he’s a sponge. Smart for a young player but again young. He’s not even 20 yet. Got a lot of room for growth and improvement and so I’m just expecting him to continue to grow and continue to develop.

“He just got lost in the competition, he wasn’t focused on numbers. He was just out there trying to make plays and focused on winning as a team. I give him a lot of credit for doing that and our guys did a good job of finishing the plays that he was able to create and he was just out there being aggressive and being Josh and the numbers are just a result of it.”

Despite Giddey’s performance, the result sees OKC slip to 13-23 for the season in 13th in the Western Conference.