Forget Ben Simmons – rising Aussie NBA superstar Josh Giddey is now following in the footsteps of the legendary Wilt Chamberlain.
As Simmons was rested again by the Nets in their match against the LA Lakers, this time with knee soreness, Giddey went off the chain for the Oklahoma City Thunder with a triple double performance in his club’s 145-135 win over the New York Knicks.
His 24 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists meant that Giddey became the first player since the great Chamberlain to record triple-doubles in their first two games at Madison Square Garden.
Giddey was busy on both ends of the floor, creating opportunities for his teammates, defending well and shooting at a clip of 71 per cent
Giddey also put up a 28-point triple-double in an overtime win over the Knicks in his rookie season with the Thunder.
Chamberlain would go on to play 14 seasons in the NBA and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
Giddey is starting to forge a stellar reputation in the best league in the world.
Simmons was again sidelined for the Brooklyn Nets, this time citing knee soreness as his side took on the LA Lakers
The Australian No.6 draft pick is starting to find his feet in a big way in the NBA after showing signs of his elite passing game and court vision with the Adelaide 36ers in the Australian NBL.
However, when asked about his triple-double, a humble Giddey instead wanted to focus on his side’s defence – even though they surrendered 135 points including a 48-point first quarter.
Wilt Chamberlain (left) with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Andre the Giant during filming for Conan the Destroyer
‘Obviously it starts with our defence,’ he said.
‘We started off slow on that end, We allowed, I think, like 40 [48] in the first quarter.
‘When we were good on that end, we got out on a run playing in transition, things opened up for everyone.
‘It’s a fine group of guys to play with, it’s unselfish, so a good win today.’
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Giddey’s back court general Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was electric in the win as well, draining 37 points in a performance that shows the rebuilding Thunder have a lot of hope for the future.
‘It’s fun to be a part of, there’s no other place to do it than the Garden,’ Giddey said.
‘It’s great playing with him, I think our chemistry is going to continue to grow and hopefully we can be a hell of a back court for a long time.’
Giddey has praised the team-first attitude of the Thunder who are starting to make waves in the NBA with a young, rebuilt roster
The Aussie guard was almost robbed of the accolade, though, with a late rebound taken off him before he finally pulled down the board required with just 14 seconds to go.
Giddey shot the lights out with 10-14 from the field at a clip of 71 per cent including two three-pointers to go along with his usual sharp passing for teammates.
‘Anytime you can be mentioned within the names of greats like that, it’s special,’ he said.
‘But basketball is a team game, so if those things contribute to winning and helping my guys around me be better, then it makes it worth it.’
‘That’s the best thing about our team — we’ve got such an unselfish and willing group that buys into what we’re doing a team.
‘No one goes off on their own ventures trying to do it themselves.
‘We have five guys on the four, guys on the bench are active and talking and the coaching staff is engaged.
‘It runs through the whole group … we always pride ourselves and preach getting it done with five guys.
‘The more we can do that and get everyone involved and feeling good, hopefully the more wins it could lead to.’
