Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault has reminded fans to be patient with Australian teen star Josh Giddey following the Thunder’s 106-98 loss to Golden State today.
Giddey had arguably his toughest offensive game to date, finishing with just seven points on 33 per cent shooting from the field.
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But as the 19-year-old has been throughout Oklahoma’s start to the regular season, he continued to hit the boards by adding nine rebounds.
He also chimed in with four assists, one steal and one block.
Giddey has quickly become a fan favourite and has even been dubbed a potential “12-time All-Star” by Oklahoma journalist Eddie Radosevich after his stellar start to life as an NBA player.
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But after today’s performance and with the Thunder yet to pull off a win through four games, Daigneault reminded fans to be patient with the Australian.
“He’s a baby in terms of the NBA, he is four games into his career,” Daigneault said as quoted by a local media member.
“There will be ups and downs especially when he is in the thick of it.”
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Having notched eight or more rebounds in three of his first four games, Giddey has already won over star teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Giddey was selected with pick No.6 in this year’s draft and is seen as a vital piece for the Thunder going forward.
That same scenario also applies to Gilgeous-Alexander, who in August signed a monster five-year $228 million-dollar deal.
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Gilgeous-Alexander, 23, lauded Giddey’s rebounding ability after today’s game.
“His size, obviously, is huge for a point guard and then he has a good nose for the ball. The kid is smart,” he said.
“He knows if you shoot a three, it’s probably going to be a long rebound.
“Like I said, he has a good nose for the ball. He has played the game and you can tell.”
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points on 11-of-19 shooting for the Thunder.
Oklahoma City scored the first seven points of the game and led 34-29 at the end of the first quarter — the first time the team had taken a lead into the second period this season.
The Warriors rallied late in the second quarter. Superstar Stephen Curry hit a three-pointer, then Draymond Green made a three to cut Oklahoma City’s lead to four.
After half-time, the Warriors took the lead late in the third quarter and never looked back from there.
The Thunder played a strong second half in their loss to Philadelphia and a strong first half against Golden State.
“We’ve got to play a full 48 if we want to get a W, for sure,” Gilgeous-Alexander said.
– with AP
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