Josh Giddey has starred in his first NBA post-season motion, equalling his career-high with 31 factors in a rousing defeat of New Orleans.
The 20-year-old Australian added 10 assists and 9 rebounds – his first sport with as many factors and assists – in a press release efficiency for the Thunder of their 123-118 play-in win.
The NBA’s second-youngest staff had been anticipated to endure one other rebuilding season however after ending tenth with 16 extra victories than within the final marketing campaign they’re now only one victory away from securing the Western Conference’s eighth seed.
Giddey was on the coronary heart of the motion within the do-or-die sport, powering the scoring early earlier than star back-court companion Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32 factors) exploded within the third quarter.
That gave the guests a 10-point lead however they trailed early within the fourth, ignoring their inexperience to beat the ninth-seeded Pelicans powered by famous person Brandon Ingram (30 factors, six rebounds, seven assists).
Giddey shot at 50 per cent from the sphere and made each of his free throws within the ultimate seconds because the Thunder clung on.
The guard received underneath the Pelicans’ pores and skin, with Josh Richardson copping a flagrant foul after connecting with an elbow beneath the belt of the Australian off the ball.
They Thunder will subsequent face Minnesota on Saturday (AEST), with the winner to tackle high seed Denver within the first spherical of play-offs.
“It was pretty much everything I expected; a loud, hostile environment,” Giddey stated on-court after the win.
“And it’s going to be a similar environment in a do-or-die game (against the Timberwolves).”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
