OKC Thunder: Josh Giddey Back on Track

After three straight impressive games, Oklahoma City's point guard is a big reason for back-to-back wins.

After a tough stretch in February, Josh Giddey is coming off one of his best three game stretches of the season. He seems to be firmly out of his slump, and Oklahoma City is playing much better because of it.

In the Thunder’s heartbreaking loss to the Lakers last Tuesday, Giddey recorded 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds, shooting 10-of-17 from the floor. In Oklahoma City’s first matchup with the Jazz, his passing was on display as he racked up 13 assists to just one turnover. He also added 18 points.

Giddey put it all together Sunday night in the Thunder’s second straight win over the Jazz. The Thunder point guard tallied 24 points, nine rebounds and nine assists on 10-of-16 shooting and 4-of-6 from 3-point range. He was impactful on the defensive end too, coming away with two steals.

Oklahoma City’s offense flows noticeably better when Giddey is in a groove. The best statistical stretch of his career was this January, and the Thunder’s win total was a reflection. 

On the season, the sophomore’s numbers are up to 16.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists while shooting 48.7% from the floor. His 3-point shot had certainly endured a few tough stretches, but still improvement at 31.4% compared to last season’s 26.3%.

Now that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is back in the lineup, continuing to develop the duo’s chemistry should be a big priority heading into the final stretch of games. Giddey and SGA have proven they can play together, and play off of each other in unique ways. A play-in push to end the season would give the pair, and the fan base, serious confidence for the future.

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