The OKC Thunder took on the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night in downtown Oklahoma City, and fans who filed into the Paycom Center did not know at the time, but they were able to witness history. Josh Giddey returned from health and safety protocols, but OKC was still very shorthanded.
The Thunder were without their star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, head coach Mark Daigneault, top assistant coach Dave Bliss, defensive star Lu Dort, and a trio of key contributors for a game that many fans would likely skip out on as the Mavericks get their star Luka Doncic back.
Josh Giddey becomes the youngest player in NBA history to log a triple-double on Sunday vs the Dallas Mavericks
The Oklahoma City Thunder lost to the Luka Doncic led Mavericks 95-86, though the score does not matter, that is not what this season is about. The 2021-22 OKC Thunder will be defined by how their prospects progress as they attempt to build themselves back to championship contention.
Josh Giddey, Their blue-chip prospect, is at the forefront of wanting to see players progress. Without their number six overall pick becoming a top NBA player, the road to a championship becomes an uphill battle. Giddey has simply been jaw-dropping this season already bagging a rookie of the month award. Now? He etches his name in NBA history.
Against the Dallas Mavericks, the NBL standout posted 17 points, 14 assists, and 13 rebounds a triple-double at age nineteen. It only took 31 games for Giddey to log a triple-double and aside from being his first, this one was special as it set NBA history. The Melbourne, Australia native is now the youngest player in NBA history, spanning 75-years, to record a triple-double beating LaMelo Ball‘s record (a fellow NBL alum) by 56 days.
This game with not just about his fancy overhead passes, hauling in rebounds, and nearly scoring 20 points, he also swiped four steals and did a fantastic job on the defensive end. Giddey has surpassed all expectations so far, quickly cementing himself as a blue-chip player.