‘Biggest Game of His Life’: Giddey Gets Rave Reviews from NBA World in ‘Outstanding’ Postseason Debut

Josh Giddey, a basketball player from Australia, appeared completely at ease in his first NBA postseason game as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-118.

With 10 assists and 9 rebounds, Giddey, 20, came close to a triple-double with his 31 points, which matched a career-high.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a superstar teammate, contrasted with him by leading the team with 32 points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Giddey and his Thunder teammates attacked the Pelicans early at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, knowing that a victory would set up a date against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the decisive play-in game.

Giddey had seven points and three rebounds in the first quarter as the Thunder took a 32-29 lead over their opponents. Teammate Luguentz Dort of Oklahoma City had 14 points.

Giddey added five more points to bring his total to 12, but the Pelicans exploded out of the gate in the second quarter, outscoring the Thunder 34-25 to lead 63-57 at the break.

However, the visitors turned things around in the third quarter and fired back with gusto as the Thunder scored 39 points to New Orleans’ 24.

Giddey erupted into life in the third quarter, scoring 12 points to bring his total up to 24.

For his impressive performance, he received a lot of praise from NBA fans around the world.

Former NBA player JJ Redick wrote: “Josh Giddey is good, by the way.”

The Ringer’s J. Kyle Mann wrote: “Giddey has been wonderful in every way.”

OKC beat writer Brandon Rahbar called his free throws at the death “ice cold”.

“Biggest stage: best game,” he said.

Phoenix sportscaster Tim Ring said Giddey had a “bright future”.

Skip Bayless waxed lyrical about OKC’s young team, calling him a “taller Austin Reaves”, alongside “superstar” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and “defensive force” Luguentz Dort.

“Chet Holmgren will give OKC a legit shot-blocker and stretch 5,” he said.

“15 first-round picks in the next five years. Terrific young coach.

“Yes, I think Oklahoma City will win a championship.”

Reference: www.foxsports.com.au