Josh Giddey ‘on fire’ in Australian’s best game of the season; Steph, Warriors slump — NBA Wrap

The Thunder lost against the Kings 128-123, despite even Josh Giddey’s greatest game of the year and superstar guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 43-point performance.

 

With De’Aaron Fox scoring six points and dishing out two assists, Sacramento was up 117-104 going into the final six minutes and appeared to be coasting to a win.

 

However, Oklahoma City managed to close the gap to 119-117 during a 13-2 run, and with three minutes remaining, Giddey made a long two-point shot to narrow the margin to two.

 

Chris Fischer remarked in commentary, “He has been so instrumental.”

Though there was a defensive blunder late in the game that left Chet Holmgren free for an easy dunk to give the Thunder a chance, Fox, as he had done the whole game, stood tall for the Kings as Sacramento held on for the victory.

 

With three seconds remaining, a basket by Holmgren had OKC up 126-123, but Sacramento got the next possession and forced the Thunder to foul Keegan Murray right away.

 

Murray had previously converted two crucial free throws in the closing seconds of the game, and he had no trouble

making it clear that the Thunder would lose 128-123.

Fox led the way with 41 points and seven assists in the victory, while Murray

finished with 15 points. In contrast, Damontas Sabonis finished with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists.

 

Half of Sacramento’s 3-pointers came from Malik Monk (4-for-8) and Keon Ellis

(5-for-7), who both contributed significantly off the bench.

 

In contrast, Giddey had his finest performance of the year, with eight

rebounds, four assists, three steals, and a block in addition to his season-high 18 points.

In the third quarter, the 21-year-old hit two more 3-pointers and finished with 10

points to help the Thunder stay close to the Fox-inspired Kings.

 

Michael Cage remarked, “My goodness,” in a commentary.

 

“He’s simply on fire.”

 

Since opposing defenses began to drop off Giddey, challenging the rookie guard

to shoot from deep, Giddey has been in the spotlight.

 

If Giddey continues to rebound and defend the way he did on Friday, he will be able to contribute to winning in other

ways even though the shooting may not always be there.