The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a significant change for Game 5 by starting Isaiah Joe instead of Josh Giddey, who has started all 210 of his career games. This move is seen as a bold decision to shake up the lineup and potentially impact the series against the Mavericks.
Isaiah Joe starting in place of Josh Giddey again for the Thunder tonight. Joe got up eight 3s in Game 5, but missed six, mostly clean looks. These are the type OKC needs to go down tonight. https://t.co/utsKSMiCgS
Thunder stuck with same starting lineup as Game 5 with Isaiah Joe, not Josh Giddey.
Mark Daigneault was asked about what the Thunder might do with the fifth starter slot that saw Josh Giddey be swapped out last game. “I know what I plan to do, but I don’t talk about lineups and rotations heading into the game.”
Starter Isaiah Joe is apparently HIM.
OKC tweaking the lineup. Isaiah Joe starts for Josh Giddey.
The Thunder are benching Josh Giddey for Isaiah Joe in tonight’s Game 5 vs. the Mavericks, per @anthonyVslater. https://t.co/G9iU5ADvTt
The Thunder are starting Isaiah Joe in place of Josh Giddey for Game 5 tonight against the Mavericks 😮 Giddey will come off the bench for the first time in his career. https://t.co/B1Iuk1OHgg
Daigneault has shown flexibility in almost every facet but the starting lineup, when healthy. Josh has started every game of his career with OKC, but I really believe this is the best move for both Giddey and the Thunder Joe for Giddey makes sense SGA Dort Joe JDub Chet
The Thunder are replacing Josh Giddey in the starting lineup for Game 5 tonight. First time they’ve made the move. Isaiah Joe is replacing him.
Isaiah Joe is in the starting lineup in place of Josh Giddey tonight. Giddey has started all 210 of his career games.
OKC starting Isaiah Joe is a *move* and this is a big game. You make the switch to swing for the fences. If it doesn't work, an interesting series gets more interesting.
OKC very analytically driven. They give up 4th most 3PTA in NBA though. Interesting perspective from Mark Daigneault https://t.co/CeomD0CMLu https://t.co/sWU4AE9x0A
Mark Daigneault on his starting lineup choice entering Game 5: "I look at everything all the time." OKC starters are -22 in 31 minutes together vs Dallas. Daigneault noted that Josh Giddey was a +6 last night (mixed into some 2nd unit lineups). https://t.co/y753QhWBLM
The Thunder are starting Isaiah Joe for Josh Giddey to open the second half. Going for the extra spacing.