Giddey’s trade statement in epic OKC Thunder triple double

Aussie star Josh Giddey had the perfect answer for some NBA trade speculation, stacking the stat sheet against Portland.

Josh Giddey had the perfect response to trade speculation. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

Josh Giddey might have heard the trade chatter.

Speculation has mounted in recent weeks that the Oklahoma City Thunder could be active before the trade deadline as they seek to make a deep playoff run.

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And the Australian’s name has been central to those discussions.

On Friday, Giddey delivered a stunning response, registering a triple double in just 20 minutes against the Portland Trail Blazers.

And he nearly accomplished it in the first half alone.

In just 16 first half minutes the 21-year-old went a perfect five from the field to go with a three from three from the free throw line to rack up 13 points, above his season average.

Josh Giddey had the perfect response to trade speculation. (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)

It included a series of aggressive drives to the rim in what will be an encouraging sign for Thunder coach Mike Daigneault.

His passing was just as impressive, delivering a string of laser passes to rack up eight assists to go with eight rebounds in a dominant all-round display.

Often criticised for his defensive efforts, Giddey also chalked up two blocks as the Thunder tortured the Blazers in the first half.

Josh Giddey tonight:

13 PTS
10 REB
12 AST
5-5 FG
+46
22 MIN

First triple-double on 100 FG% in less than 25 minutes in NBA history. https://t.co/4LMRtOaq1s

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 12, 2024

Giddey picked up where he left off after the break.

That included a stunning play where he pulled down a rebound before launching a full court pass to Jalen Williams for the bucket for his 10th assist of the night.

Shortly after Giddey grabbed his 10th board to complete the triple double, the ninth of his career.

It was also among the fastest in NBA history.

According to Reuters he joins Victor Wembanyama and Rusell Westbrook as the only players to record a triple double in under 22 minutes in the past 40 seasons.

Josh Giddey today

13 points
12 assists (1 turnover)
10 rebounds
100 FG%

Near flawless triple double pic.twitter.com/ryfj7cvteH

— TF (@ThunderFocus) January 12, 2024

Josh Giddey gets his first triple double of the season (ninth of his career) in only 20 minutes.

One of the fastest triple doubles of all time.

Oh and Giddey hasn't missed a shot tonight: 5-5 from the field and 3-3 from the line.

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 12, 2024

Players to record a triple-double while playing under 22 minutes (last 40 seasons):

— Russell Westbrook
— Victor Wembanyama

That’s the list. pic.twitter.com/x3bos2nITc

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 11, 2024

Josh Giddey gets his 10th assist on a full court Lamar "Chet" Jackson pass to Jalen Williams.

Giddey needs 1 rebound for his first triple double of the season.

Dubja Vu from last night.

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 12, 2024

OKC's first half numbers look like end-game numbers.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
20 PTS/7-11 FG/4 REB/4 AST

Josh Giddey
13 PTS/5-5 FG/8 REB/8 AST

Jalen Williams
16 PTS/7-7 FG/5 REB/3 AST

Chet Holmgren
15 PTS/7-11 FG/3 REB

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) January 12, 2024

Josh Giddey touchdown pass to Jalen Williams, and the Thunder leads the Blazers 86-46, 9:07 3Q. Giddey has 13 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists.

— Brett Dawson (@BDawsonWrites) January 12, 2024

Josh Giddey has now recorded his ninth career triple-double, per Thunder PR.

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) January 12, 2024

Josh Giddey just recorded his tenth rebound and a triple double, less than 4 minutes into the second half. He has 13 points (5-5 FG, 3-3 FT), 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He also has 3 blocks. The OKC Thunder lead Portland by 46 points in the third quarter. #NBA

— Tom Hersz (@tomhersz) January 12, 2024

ABSURD full court pass from Josh Giddey. pic.twitter.com/PB8mqbTjsI

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) January 12, 2024

Thunder: 75
Blazers: 39

Shai, JDub and Chet alone combined for 41 points.

Josh Giddey is also playing far and away his best basketball of the season so far tonight.

Giddey: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 blocks on 5/5 shooting and 2/2 from 3.

— Michael Martin (@MichaelOnSports) January 12, 2024

13-8-8 on 100% shooting. easily the best half of the season from Josh Giddey.

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) January 12, 2024

Giddey and the Thunder starters then sat mid way through the third quarter with the Thunder blowing out the Blazers 139-77.

He finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to go with three blocks in 22 minutes.

It continues a strong run of recent form for Giddey who struggled earlier in the season and found his minutes reduced.

Despite being one of the youngest teams in the NBA, the Thunder are second in the Western Conference with an impressive 26-11 record.

Originally published as Giddey’s trade statement in epic OKC Thunder triple double