The Oklahoma City Thunder were riding high coming into this contest with a 17-8 record, ready to play host to the L.A. Clippers. The Clippers are riding a nine-game winning streak to the tune of a 17-10 record and look a lot different post-James Harden trade.
With the L.A. Clippers on the second night of a back-to-back they were without Kawhi Leonard for the first time all season. He sat on the bench due to a left hip contusion while Paul George made his return to the Clippers lineup.
The OKC Thunder looked to put an end to the Clippers winning streak before it hit double-digits and came out of the gate with the proper mindset. A well oiled offense that was saddled with a defense forcing the Clippers to make tough shots, which they did.
OKC Thunder sees Josh Giddey leave the game against the Clippers early with an ankle sprain.
This contest started out with a bang for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who watched Josh Giddey break loose for 11 first-half points, which included a trio of triples, three rebounds, and four assists. Giddey only missed one shot in his first 14 minutes of action.
However, his contest was cut short as Josh Giddey took a nasty fall in the paint as the second frame was coming to a close.
Josh Giddey slipped in the paint and is now limping to the sidelines and went straight back to the locker room.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) December 22, 2023
From Thunder PR
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) December 22, 2023
Josh Giddey will not return (left ankle sprain).
Giddey immediately went to the locker room and has still yet to emerge but has been ruled out by the PR staff in Oklahoma City. Mark Daigneault will update the local media post-game with Giddey's long-term status should any updates be available.
Josh Giddey this season has played and started in 25 games, averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The 6th overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is shooting 43 percent from the floor, 31 percent from beyond the arc, and 80 percent at the charity stripe.