Giddey tops LaMelo as youngest with triple-doubleon January 3, 2022 at 4:15 am

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OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma City Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey, back after missing three games while in the NBA’s health and safety protocols, became the youngest player in league history to record a triple-double during Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Giddey finished with 17 points, 14 assists and 13 rebounds for his first triple-double in a 95-86 loss by the Thunder.

At 19 years and 84 days old, Giddey surpassed Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who previously held the distinction at 19 years and 140 days old.

“It’s cool, as I said earlier in the year. The individual stats are good, you enjoy it for the night,” Giddey said. “But a win is always better than individual stats. If I have zero-zero-zero and we win, it’s always better than if I have a triple-double and lose.”

Giddey, the sixth overall pick in last year’s draft from Australia, shot 7-for-16 from the field and 3-for-5 from long distance against Dallas. He also led all players on both teams outright in points, rebounds and assists, becoming the youngest player in NBA history to do that.

The performance left Jason Kidd, the Mavericks coach who had 107 triple-doubles during his playing career, impressed.

“He’s unselfish. As a 19-year-old, he understands how to play the game,” Kidd said. “He’s comfortable with the ball, his teammates all know that if he has it, they’re gonna cut, because there’s a chance that they can get it. He’s comfortable shooting the 3. He has the total package.

“At 19, it’s just a matter of time of understanding how teams are going to play him. He’s as good as advertised.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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