NBA World Reacts to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander-Josh Giddey Battle in Olympic Play

The Oklahoma City Thunder watched Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander battle it out as foes for the first time on Monday morning and it was quite the show.

Dec 26, 2023; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (3) celebrates with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) after a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports / Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports

On Tuesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder faithful and the NBA world were given an early morning treat. Team Canada (1-0) and Team Australia (1-0) battled in Group Play of the 2024 Olympics. With each team playing in what is deemed the group of death that sees them countered by Greece and Spain, whoever wound up on top of this matchup would be in the driver's seat in their quest to advance.

to add more fuel to the fire, this was the first time that the former OKC Thunder backcourt of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey faced off with one another since the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Giddey to the Chicago Bulls this summer.

Playing a more natural role with his home country, he was expected to put on an impressive showcase at the Paris games - so far, Giddey has delivered. The No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft put up 15 points in the first half alone.

Finally playing with the ball in his hands, Giddey was able to put pressure on the rim, command an offense and leave his fingerprints all over this contest.

Though, Gilgeous-Alexander flexed his superstar muscles shooting 5-for-6 out of the gate to get his first ten points - Team Australia had no answers for the MVP Runner up as the mid-range assassin got to his spots at will.

This matchup between Bricktown's backcourt a season ago caused a stir across social media to tip off Tuesday.

SGA sat most of the 1st quarter with 2 early fouls but scored 10 first half points on 5-6 shooting.

Patty Mills plays tight defense on SGA here.

Didn’t matter.
pic.twitter.com/jwn2j9n6xW

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 30, 2024

Giddey is dominating sheesh

— TF (@ThunderFocus) July 30, 2024

Just some impressive footwork from Shai.

Such a creative shot creator & has so much patience. pic.twitter.com/KHN1i4dwAa

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) July 30, 2024

Giddey has done a really good job controlling the pace for the Boomers in this game

— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) July 30, 2024

Josh Giddey with 15 points already and in complete control of the game. SGA with 10 after early foul trouble. Aussies up 49-45 at the half vs. Canada. Great game so far. Group A is no joke. #Paris2024 #Olympics pic.twitter.com/kM5uvAuoiV

— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) July 30, 2024

SLOB WIZARD

— Andrew Schlecht (@AndrewKSchlecht) July 30, 2024

Man, Shai has been masterful with every attempt

— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) July 30, 2024

Dort just straight up rips Giddey and goes the length of the floor for a two-hand slam. Invaluable for this Canada team that he essentially just plays his in-season role.

— Joel Lorenzi (@jxlorenzi) July 30, 2024

Like come on bro. Ridiculous. https://t.co/y9d0Yx06JT pic.twitter.com/FNSjGtog6H

— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) July 30, 2024

This Canada/Australia game has been everything we could’ve asked for & more.

Just really good basketball all around.

— Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) July 30, 2024

Efficiency masterclass from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander today to help Canada roll past Josh Giddey (19/7/6) and Australia,

16 points on 80% shooting.

— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) July 30, 2024

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