Josh Giddey benched for Isaiah Joe ahead of Round 2 Game 5 against Mavericks

Josh Giddey benched for Isaiah Joe ahead of Round 2 Game 5 against Mavericks.

The Oklahoma City Thunder changed their starting lineup ahead of Game 5 against the Dallas Mavericks. For the first time in his career, Josh Giddey will come off the bench.

The Thunder elected to start Isaiah Joe ahead of the 21-year-old. This move marks the first major rotation change for Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault in the 2024 NBA playoffs.

Giddey has struggled in the second round against the Mavericks, and his playing time has dwindled. In OKC’s Game 4 win, Giddey was on the bench to start the second half, replaced by Joe.

The sharpshooter provides the Thunder spacing. Dallas will have to respect him from the perimeter, which it hasn’t done against Giddey.

The series is tied at 2. The rest of the starters remain the same: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

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