Josh Giddey recorded his sixth NBA triple-double in Oklahoma City Thunder’s 112-111 loss to the Miami Heat, who snuck home after breaking the league record for most consecutive free throws without a miss.
Giddey was typically workman-like under the basket and led all comers for rebounds on Wednesday afternoon (AEDT) with 15.
The Australian has improved his shooting in his second NBA season and notably sunk two baskets in quick succession during a 7-0 Thunder run late in the piece.
As the final minute approached, Giddey slung the ball through the key to Aaron Wiggins, who made a lay-up to ensure the 20-year-old would reach double figures for assists and secure the second triple-double of his sophomore season.
Giddey, who last season broke the NBA record for the youngest player to score a triple-double, finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Heat shot at only 39.2 percent from the field but their accuracy from the charity stripe had them in the contest; Miami broke the NBA record, set 40 years ago, for most free throws made in a game without a miss.
The Heat sunk 40, one more than the Utah Jazz made against the Portland Trail Blazers in the 1982-83 season, with forward Jimmy Butler contributing 23 of those.
Ironically, it was two missed free throws by the Thunder that helped seal their demise.
The Thunder were up 111-109 with 22.3 seconds on the clock when Kenrich Williams stepped to the stripe and missed both of his attempts.
Victor Oladipo forced a Thunder turnover and found Butler (35 points, three blocks, four steals), who was fouled as he made the lay-up that tied the game.
The Heat broke the Jazz’s record with the free throw that ensued.
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed a three-pointer that could have snatched the game back and the Heat held on in the dying seconds.
Earlier, MVP candidate Joel Embiid scored 36 points on his return from foot soreness as the Philadelphia 76ers thrashed the Detroit Pistons 147-116.
Australian Matisse Thybulle managed four points, a block and a steal from limited time on the floor for the Sixers.
Toronto center Pascal Siakam had 28 points and guard Gary Trent Jr. contributed 24 in the Raptors’ 132-120 defeat of the Charlotte Hornets. The loss was the Hornets’ fifth from their last six starts.
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