Josh Giddey fouled out for less than the second time in his NBA profession however not earlier than serving to Oklahoma City equal their franchise document for many assists in a recreation and keep their scorching run of kind.
In the 126-106 win over the Indiana Pacers, Australian guard Giddey posted his seventeenth double-double of the season – essentially the most by a second-year participant – and was particularly influential in a barnstorming third quarter for the Thunder.
Giddey (16 factors, 11 assists, six rebounds) had 5 assists for the interval because the Thunder placed on 42 factors to tighten their maintain on the Pacers, who had recovered from a sluggish begin to win the second quarter.
In a very memorable play within the third quarter, Giddey beat two Pacers to a rebound after which slowed the play down, earlier than flicking the ball again for back-court co-conspirator Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Gilgeous-Alexander made a straightforward lay-up and the Thunder had been up by 16 factors.
Giddey’s taking pictures has improved considerably in his second NBA season and on Thursday afternoon (AEDT), he sunk eight of his 12 makes an attempt from the sphere.
The 20-year-old picked up a sixth private foul and exited the sport within the ultimate 5 minutes, however by that time, the outcome was past doubt.
Giddey and Kenrich Williams (12 factors, 10 assists) partnered to assist the Thunder document 40 assists in a recreation for less than the second time because the franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008.
The Thunder have now gained six of their final seven video games, with their solely defeat coming by one level in opposition to the Miami Heat.
Elsewhere, Australian Josh Green made his return from an elbow damage that had saved him out since December 9 and had 9 factors in a 130-122 loss for the Dallas Mavericks.
Green wore a brace on his proper elbow within the recreation in opposition to Atlanta however his motion didn’t seem like hampered. A nook three late within the third quarter was a spotlight of the Australian’s return.
MVP candidate Luka Doncic was predictably busy with 30 factors and eight assists however was left to rue two missed makes an attempt from deep within the ultimate minute that would’ve helped the Mavs salvage the sport.
The Memphis Grizzlies stretched their profitable streak to 11 video games with a last-gasp 115-114 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After the group’s star participant Ja Morant (24 factors, eight assists) missed a lay-up within the ultimate 20 seconds, New Zealander Steven Adams tipped the ball in to present his aspect a one-point lead that proved decisive.
No different NBA franchise stays undefeated this calendar 12 months and with another victory the Grizzlies will equal the Brooklyn Nets’ document for longest profitable streak this season.
