MATT LOGUE
AUSTRALIAN rookie Josh Giddey has been described as a “wizard with the basketball” after excelling in his NBA pre-season debut for Oklahoma City Thunder.
In his first home appearance for the Thunder after being drafted as the No.6 pick, Giddey went to work in an impressive performance that attracted a standing ovation from the
OKC faithful. The rising Boomers star finished with a team-high 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists in 29 minutes on the floor, despite Oklahoma suffering a 113-97 loss to LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets.
Giddey may be the NBA’s youngest player at 18, but he looked composed beyond his years against the Hornets with his classy passing and ability to attack the rim.
The Melbourne-born
guard had the local commentators in raptures about his silky skills.
Giddey looks comfortable on the NBA stage largely due to his season in the NBL with the Adelaide 36ers.
It was a strong pre-season night for Australia’s NBA crew, with fellow Boomer Jock Landale impressing on debut for San Antonio.
Landale finished with eight points, six rebounds and three assists.