The Thunder saw one of their own players make history while others contributed. It was all for naught, however, when the Thunder lost by nine. It would’ve been a nice comeback win but they couldn’t get it done. Despite the loss, this article will go over those who provided a good punch.
Josh Giddey
Giddey made history in this game. He became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, beating out LaMelo Ball by about 100 days. His final line was a spicy one: 17 points, 13 boards, 14 assists and four steals on 7/16 from the field and 3/5 threes. Giddey is just a menace these days despite missing the previous three games. Over the last two weeks, Giddey has been averaging 13.4 points, 7.8 boards, eight assists, 1.6 steals, 0.4 blocks and 1.6 threes a game. The shooting percentages (38% from the field and 54% from the line) are horrendous but he’s still getting it done. Have a day, Rook!
Aaron Wiggins
Wiggins is looking better and better each week. Playing 37 minutes, he put up a line of 10 points, six boards and one steal on 4/10 from the field and 2/3 from three-point land. His playing time remains very steady at the moment as OKC is missing several key players. Even when these players come back, he should still remain in the rotation. He’s been playing too well to be buried on the depth chart again. Over the last two weeks, he’s been averaging 12.6 points, 4.7 boards, 0.9 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.1 blocks and 1.1 threes on 56% from the field and 74% from the line.
Aleksej Pokusesvki
Finally, a Poku sighting. Poku started and played 27 minutes and put up nine points, five boards, one assist, one steal and one block. He shot 4/12 from the field and 1/5 from the three-point line. The line doesn’t pop out but hey, he started a game and played some meaningful minutes. His length and defensive instincts were on display in this game but unfortunately, he couldn’t lead his team to a W. Getting more minutes in the future is going to be tough once everyone comes back from injuries and protocols. Still, once the silly season comes, he should be getting enough run to make an impact.
Theo Maledon
Maledon finished with a line of eight points, one rebound, one assist, and three steals on 2/8 from the field, 0/2 from three and 4/5 from the line. Maledon, much like Poku, is also starting to garner more playing time. Having a nice rookie season for the Thunder, also like Poku, he hasn’t been able to crack the rotation on most nights this season. When given the playing time, however, Maledon hasn’t really impressed like he did his rookie season but maybe that’s just his nerves since he’s given as much playing time. Despite this, he should be getting more minutes later on in the season.