After missing three games due to health and safety protocols, rookie guard Josh Giddey has made history by becoming NBA’s youngest player ever to record a triple-double during a Sunday night 95-86 loss to the Mavericks.
Giddeyy finished the game with 17 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds, snagging the record from Hornets superstar LaMelo Ball. At 19-years and 84 days old, Giddey surpassed the reigning Rookie of the Year for the record, who previously held the feat at 19-years and 140 days old.
“It’s cool, as I said earlier in the year. The individual stats are good; you enjoy it for the night,” Giddey said per ESPN. “But a win is always better than individual stats. If I have zero-zero-zero and we win, it’s always better than if I have a triple-double and lose.”
The sixth overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft shot 7-for-16 from the field and 3-for-5 from the three-point line against Dallas. Giddey led both teams in points, rebounds, and assists. Giddey’s performance gained attention from NBA legend Jason Kidd, who had 107 triple-doubles during his playing career.
“He’s unselfish. As a 19-year-old, he understands how to play the game,” Kidd said per ESPN. “He’s comfortable with the ball; his teammates all know that if he has it, they’re gonna cut because there’s a chance that they can get it. He’s comfortable shooting the three. He has the total package”.
“At 19, it’s just a matter of time of understanding how teams are going to play him. He’s as good as advertised,” said Kidd.
Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at 7 pm CT.
