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Josh Giddey spotted at low-level pick-up game while Alex Caruso shines in NBA Playoffs

Matthew Wadleigh

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Josh Giddey spotted at low-level pick-up game while Alex Caruso shines in NBA Playoffs image

The Oklahoma City Thunder lost in heartbreaking fashion on Monday night against the Denver Nuggets. It was Aaron Gordon's last-second 3-pointer that proved to be the difference-maker for Denver in a stunning comeback in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. 

However, it was a big night for Thunder guard Alex Caruso.

The former Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls guard scored 20 points with six assists, five steals and five 3-pointers. In turn, he became just the 6th player since 1973-74 to have 20+ points, 5+ steals, 5+ assists and 5+ 3-pointers in a postseason game. 

And, it's just a reminder of how good the trade was for the Thunder. In June 2024, the Thunder and Chicago Bulls did a 1-for-1 swap, sending Caruso to the Thunder and Josh Giddey to the Bulls. At the time, the trade looked to be a major win for the Thunder, and it looked like that even more after Caruso's performance in Game 1. 

While Caruso's name was shining bright on the playoff stage, Giddey was then spotted at an unlikely location: Playing a low-level pick-up game. 

Giddey was seen playing in Australia in a Frankston District Basketball Association Monday night senior men’s competition. 

Springvale Waves coach Ann Monaghan explained why Giddey played in the game, per Australian reporter Tyler Otto. 

"Monaghan said Giddey had asked her if it would be OK if he played in Monday night’s game. She said Giddey had a close friend on the Springvale team and wanted a chance to play alongside him." 

So, Caruso is playing meaningful minutes in the NBA Playoffs while Giddey is playing a low-level pick-up game, although it seems like the Bulls guard was doing a favor for one of his friends, which is quite the gesture. 

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Matthew Wadleigh

Matthew Wadleigh is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He was born and raised in Southern California and grew up a San Diego sports fan (yes, it’s tough, except for Aztecs hoops). Matthew went to Fresno State as a journalism major and got to see Davante Adams, Derek Carr, Paul George and Aaron Judge in person. Matthew has written for publications including ClutchPoints, Sportscasting, Fansided, Trojans Wire, UCLA Wire and Buffaloes Wire.