In case it wasn’t obvious, Josh Giddey loves playing at Madison Square Garden.
Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Brandon Rahbar described it as a “coming out party” for the Australian in his rookie season, when Giddey put up a 28-point triple-double in an overtime win over the Knicks.
Now he has done it again.
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Giddey lit up the Garden in a comfortable 145-135 win in the early hours of Monday morning [AEDT], scoring 24 points to go with 12 assists and 10 rebounds.
With it, Giddey joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only other player in NBA history to record triple-doubles in their first two games at the Garden.
There was some late drama though, with Giddey’s initial rebound to claim the triple-double being taken away before the Australian grabbed another board with 14 seconds left.
“Obviously it starts with our defence, we started a little slow on that end and allowed 48 in the first quarter,” Giddey said post-game of the victory.
“When we were good on that end we got out and ran in transition, things open up for everybody. It’s a fun group of guys to play with, unselfish, so good to get a win today.”
Giddey’s teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also put on a show in the win, finishing with 37 points eight assists, five rebounds and three steals as he continues his stunning start to the season.
While there were question marks over the pair’s fit in the backcourt, Giddey hopes people can now see just how effective the two can be now and into the future.
“It’s great playing with him,” Giddey said.
“I think our chemistry is going to continue to grow and hopefully we can be a hell of a backcourt for a long time.”
Speaking after last year’s breakout game against the Knicks, Giddey spoke about how he had been looking to playing at the Garden since being drafted by the Thunder.
“Obviously I had this game circled on my calendar, coming to New York,” he said.
“(The) Most famous stadium in the world, so I was looking forward to this game.”
