Aussie Oklahoma City Thunder star Josh Giddey has left the NBA in disbelief with two of the best passes you’ll ever see on a basketball court.
But despite the 20-year-old hitting 18 points, 15 rebounds — including five offensive rebounds — and six assists his young OKC side fell 136-132 to the Milwaukee Bucks in a double overtime thriller.
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Giddey’s debut season saw the skilful youngster establish himself as one of the best passers in the league, and break records, as well as becoming the youngest player to tally a triple-double in the competition’s history.
But after a hip injury prematurely ended his season and an ankle injury started his sophomore season off on a sour note, there’s no doubt Giddey has put in the work in the off-season.
Fans were blown away by his performance against the Bucks, pointing to his five offensive rebounds.
KTLA’s Travis Schlepp tweeted: “Dear, Bucks. Stop ignoring Josh Giddey on the glass. He’s 6-foot-8”, while Forbes’ Nick Crain added: “Josh Giddey has been an animal on the glass tonight.”
While that and the rest of his stat line were impressive, fans’ jaws were dropped to the floor by two moments of incredible brilliance.
In the second quarter, Giddey got the ball after a fast break broke down and while looking to marshal his troops beyond the arc, Giddey shaped to pass, only to flick it out the back without looking for Jalen Williams to slam down the huge dunk.
Oklahoman Sports Thunder writer Joe Mussatto wrote: “Josh Giddey with a no-look bounce pass to Jalen Williams for a slam over Brook Lopez. Pretty play.”
But it would just get better with the game on the line.
Down by two with less than a minute left, the Thunder were inbounding from deep in their own half.
Throwing a perfect bounce pass to Luguentz Dort who ran the perfect line, the dunk sent the game into overtime.
BasketballNews.com editor Spencer Davis exclaimed: “Holy sh** Josh Giddey inbound pass”.
ESPN basketball reporter Olgun Uluc wrote: “It’s difficult to express just how unbelievably impressive this inbounds pass from Josh Giddey is. Pretty incredible.”
Musician Josh Sallee commented: “I just saw that Josh Giddey pass live and it was one of the best passes I’ve ever seen wow”.
Forbes’ Nick Crain added to his earlier tweet, remarking: “Josh Giddey is the best inbounder in the league. It’s not close.”
Although the Thunder couldn’t get the W against a Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Bucks, Giddey keeps OKC fans believing the best is right round the corner.