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Despite Earning $411 Million Less, OKC’s Josh Giddey Outdoing Celtics’ Backcourt Duo Comes to Fore After 127-123 Upset

Published 01/02/2024, 11:58 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The recent showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Oklahoma City Thunder was nothing short of extraordinary. This matchup hinted at the potential for a Finals showdown between two formidable teams. In the game, Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis delivered stellar performances, each scoring over 30 points, while Jaylen Brown struggled to make efficient contributions. On the flip side, the Thunder displayed an efficient team performance, with contributions from various players.

A standout surprise emerged in the form of Josh Giddey, who not only achieved his season-high with 23 points but also recorded 8 rebounds and 6 assists. However, that wasn’t the only surprise that was in store for the game.

Josh Giddey outscored Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday

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In a surprising turn of events, Josh Giddey outscored both Jaylen Brown and Jrue Holiday in the game. He scored 23 points while the two Celtics players combined for just 22. Notably, Brown and Holiday each logged over 30 minutes on the court, whereas Giddey made his impact in just 27 minutes.

Jaylen Brown secured the largest NBA contract in history to date, signing a record-breaking five-year, $304 million supermax extension in July 2023. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday’s contract is also noteworthy, with the veteran point guard earning $36.9 million for the 2023-24 season, and holding a one-year player option for an additional $39.4 million.

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In contrast, Giddey is currently under his four-year rookie contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, valued at $27,214,807. For the ongoing 2023-24 season, he is set to earn $6,587,040, showcasing a stark contrast in financial landscapes among the three players.

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What is the Celtics’ ceiling?

The combination of Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis on the court creates an electrifying lineup for the Celtics. Through the 2023 season, they have successfully managed to hold themselves in high regard. However, they have also experienced surprises with unexpected losses. It is something that the Celtics have accumulated a reputation for throughout the recent seasons.

Furthermore, they are relying on the three-point line more than usual and have, at times, persistently hung to it on off nights. Despite being a team-oriented roster, their perimeter defense stands out as one of the best in the league, leaving room only for improvement as the competition intensifies. Their major flaw comes in their constant third-quarter struggles. If they can do that, and manage to find the best plays in multiple in-moment situations, they possess unparalleled potential in the league.

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While Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins have labeled Boston as potential champions, it remains a speculative assertion given that the season is not even halfway through.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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“Places you go in life – it opens your eyes up and you kind of understand who you are.” - This is my philosophy in life. I want to go to innumerable places and get inspired by the people and experiences I come across, just like Dwayne Wade.
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Edited by:

Vishav