One of the biggest storylines involving the Oklahoma City Thunder this season has been the inconsistency of Josh Giddey. Throughout the season, he’s had rough stretches that have shortened his playing time.
The 21-year-old has been asked to make arguably the biggest role adjustment among the starters with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams blossoming into OKC’s top ballhandlers.
This has caused Giddey to have awkward stretches though he has found his stride these past four games. He’s averaged 13.3 points on 62.2% shooting, 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. He’s shot 45.5% from 3 on 2.8 attempts and is a plus-3.5 on his time on the court.
These are much better averages compared to his season stats, which have been among the lowest of his three-year career in most categories.
When asked about Giddey’s recent play, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised his string of games and cautioned it’s part of the ebbs and flows of a long regular season.
“He’s has had a great week. He’s really competing at a high level. I think his floor game has had great balance, he’s obviously playing with a lot of aggressiveness and confidence,” Daigneault said. “Players are in different seasons in their career.
“He’s having a small breakthrough right now with the way he is playing. Obviously, he’s had an up-and-down season, which is normal for any professional, especially one that is 21 years old and in his third year.
“I think some of the pop you are seeing right now is a result of some of the adversity or plateau that he’s had to overcome. I think it’s important to keep in mind with all of our players. They’re not going to be a perpetual linear ascent. It’s the NBA, it’s really hard and he’s the latest example of that.”
I asked Mark Daigneault about Josh Giddey’s uptick in production this week “he has had a great week”: pic.twitter.com/wXqAa9hpqq
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) March 9, 2024
With a little over a month left before the regular season ends, the Thunder hope Giddey can keep this momentum going. Especially in the playoffs where opposing teams will likely target him on both ends of the floor.
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