Josh Giddey struggles in ‘sink or swim’ NBA playoffs shocker

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Josh Giddey’s first NBA playoffs run is turning into somewhat of a nightmare for the Aussie.

Giddey had just 11 minutes of court time in OKC Thunder’s 119-110 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 2 of their second round Western Conference series on Friday (AEST).

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The series is tied 1-1 heading to the next two games in Dallas and it appears Giddey’s minutes could be restricted as the series goes on.

Luka Doncic had 29 points, Kyrie Irving was superb defensively and PJ Washington had 29 points in his best game for Dallas since being recruited mid-season as the Mavs levelled the series.

OKC’s starting five has been fluid all season but the Thunder are still searching for the perfect fifth player to complement Shai Gilgeous Alexander, young gun Jalen Williams, seven footer Chet Holmgren and defensive stopper Lu Dort.

Giddey started Game 2 but managed eight points (3-6 shooting, 0-2 three-pointers) in his time on court and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault opted for Aaron Wiggins to start the third quarter.

Wiggins (20 minutes), Isaiah Joe (19 minutes), Jaylin Williams (14 minutes) and Cason Wallace (22 minutes) split the fifth starter’s minutes — a recipe Daigneault may favour over playing Giddey.

Giddey’s jump shot hasn’t developed and not being able to space the court with three-point shooting, plus Dallas’ tendency to target him on defence, could see him on the outer.

The 21-year-old had two points in 17 minutes in Game 1, and the Thunder surged ahead during the time he was off the court.

According to StatMuse, Giddey is a combined -27 from his 28 minutes across the two games against Dallas.

Trey Kerby said on the No Dunks podcast after OKC’s Game 1 win: “It was as simple as sitting Josh Giddey down.

“As soon as he went out, the Thunder went on massive runs in this game. The first quarter as soon as he sits down, 5-0. Second quarter, as soon as he sits down, 16-5 run for the Thunder.

“Also had a 14-6 run in the second as well. Then that big third quarter run as well. As soon as Giddey goes to the bench, 22-8 for the Thunder.

“Fourth quarter it happened again. 17-2 run as soon as Giddey sat down.

“The defence was too easy for the Mavericks with Giddey out there. Once he went to the bench, usually for Isaiah Joe, there was so much shooting for the Thunder that they were able to get really good looks.”

Zach Lowe said on his podcast The Lowe Post this was a “sink or swim” series for Giddey, and the Thunder’s fortunes could rest on his output.

Speaking after Game 2, Daigneault said he wasn’t concerned by his team’s performance when Giddey was on the court and said he would continue to be “fluid” with the Thunder’s line-up.

“I wouldn’t say it didn’t work,” Daigneault said.

“Halftime subs are something we’ve done for a long time … it’s basically an in-game substitution. We’re gonna keep it fluid.”

Why NBA star Josh Giddey will make Boomers his team

OKC have the makings of a perennial contender but if they are eliminated in the second or third round, they might finally cash in some draft picks and look to be active at the trade table.

Giddey and some draft capital should help the Thunder land a traditional centre to help Holmgren against the Western Conference’s bulkiest big men like three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.

Chicago’s Andre Drummond and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton are a couple of centres certain to attract interest over the next 12 months.

Atlanta’s Clint Capela and Houston’s Aussie back-up centre Jock Landale are second-tier options that could interest OKC.

Giddey has put together a fine career so far, racking up 11 triple doubles and starring with 31 points in OKC’s win over New Orleans in last year’s must-win play-in tournament game.

While Giddey would like to stay with the team that drafted him as the Thunder continues their rise, a trade to a team where he can be the main point guard and playmaker may suit him better.

In the other NBA playoff game on Friday (AEST), Donovan Mitchell had 29 points to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to an upset 118-94 over the Celtics in Boston, levelling their series 1-1.

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