‘Going to be legendary’: Aussie Josh Giddey’s historic night

Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey has shattered another record in a remarkable performance that even has his teammates looking on in awe.

Josh Giddey is on fire. Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

Aussie NBA gun Josh Giddey has once again left the league’s jaws on the floor as he entered the record books again in a 137-128 win over the Golden State Warriors.

Despite coming up against a 40-point night for Steph Curry and 23 for Klay Thompson, Giddey delivered an all-time stat line of 17 points, 11 rebounds and 17 assists in the win.

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While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder with 33 points, it was Giddey that was the story of the game, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double with more than 15 assists.

It goes nicely with his record as being the youngest player in history to record a triple-double, a feat he achieved in his rookie season last year.

The NBA season is a long slog and it’s made Giddey seem like he’s been around forever but it’s hard to remember that the Victorian is still just 20 years old.

He also moves to second in triple-doubles for a player aged 20 or younger, scoring his seventh to move alongside Lakers legend Magic Johnson on seven.

He sits behind only Dallas Mavericks wunderkind Luka Doncic on 21, but ahead of LeBron James, who had five before he turned 21.

Giddey has the ball on a string. Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Even his teammates were blown away by his performance.

“Gid’s a great passer, everyone knows that,” Thunder teammate Jaylin Williams told reporters after the game.

“We looked up and saw he had 17 assists and were like, ‘Dang!’”

The tally also equals the Australian record of 17 assists, joining Ben Simmons, who hit the mark in 2019.

While Giddey was making history however, he was humble as always, less highlighting his own achievement and rather focusing on the team.

“At this stage of the year, every win is crucial. This is a big one for us against a really good team,” Giddey said after the triumph.

“It was just a matter of who could weather the storm the best, and we did a good job of managing their runs.

“I was just trying to get guys the ball in the right sports at the right time, and they took care of the rest.

“It was a credit to the group, a team effort against a really good opponent.”

Giddey is a different beast. Photo: Alex Goodlett/Getty Images/AFP

Asked about the 17 assists, Giddey said: “Guys were making shots. 17 assists looks good but you can’t do that without your teammates being in the right spots and making shots.”

But while Giddey didn’t want to talk himself up, social media was quick to give the youngster some kudos.

ESPN’s Olgun Uluc tweeted: “That was a hell of a game from Josh Giddey: 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 17 assists in a Thunder win over the Warriors.”

Basketball reporter Josh Eberley wrote: “Giddey is going to be the best player from his class”.

ABC’s Hayley Wildes commented: “Josh Giddey in the World Cup later this year is going to be legendary.”

ESPN basketball analyst Peter Hooley raved: “Giddey is having some sort of game right now against GSW. Kid just keeps getting better and better.”

I just landed and josh Giddey is magic Johnson?

— Eddie Gonzalez (@bansky) March 8, 2023

The Thunder are 11th in the Western Conference at 31-34 but equal with the Lakers, Trail Blazers and Pelicans for the play-in spots, with the Utah Jazz just half a game back.