CHICAGO – In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Josh Giddey captured the spotlight with an astonishing buzzer-beating half-court shot that sealed a dramatic 119-117 victory for the Chicago Bulls over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. As soon as the ball left Giddey's fingertips, his teammates erupted in celebration, marking one of the most unforgettable finishes in the NBA this season.
"It was a special moment to do it with these guys, this team," Giddey shared after the game, reflecting on the exhilarating experience.
Meanwhile, the Lakers faced a heartbreaking turn of events, transitioning from a triumphant victory against Indiana—capped by a buzzer-beater tip-in from LeBron James on Wednesday—to a crushing defeat just 24 hours later. This loss marked a significant moment in NBA history, as the Lakers became only the fifth team to experience a win and loss on buzzer-beaters in consecutive days, according to Basketball-Reference.com.
Adding to their woes, the Lakers were once again outplayed by the Bulls, having suffered a blowout just days earlier in Los Angeles. "Devastation," expressed Lakers coach JJ Redick. "It's a hell of a way to lose a basketball game."
The game was a nail-biter, with the Lakers holding a 13-point lead midway through the fourth quarter. They seemed poised for victory with a score of 115-110 after Austin Reaves sank two free throws with just 12.6 seconds remaining. However, this defeat marked their eighth loss in 12 games, raising concerns about their season.
LeBron James commented on the game, acknowledging the team’s mistakes. "We put ourselves in position to win, but we gave up a lot of 3s in the fourth quarter," he noted. "A horrible turnover by myself and miscommunication led to this." Despite the setback, he recognized the effort of his teammate, saying, "Tip your hats."
The Bulls, on the other hand, showcased their offensive prowess, making an impressive 11 of 14 three-point attempts in the fourth quarter. The final moments were electric: Patrick Williams hit a three-pointer with 9.8 seconds left, followed by Giddey stealing a pass from LeBron and assisting Coby White for another three-pointer that put the Bulls ahead with just 6.1 seconds on the clock.
Despite Reaves driving for a layup to briefly give the Lakers a 117-116 lead with only 3.3 seconds remaining, Chicago was determined to secure the win. Giddey inbounded the ball to Williams, immediately getting it back before launching a shot near the Bulls' logo. His follow-through was confident, and the ball swished through the net, sealing the Bulls' ninth win in 11 games.
This victory was significant not only for the team but also for Giddey, who recorded his fifth triple-double of the season with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. This accomplishment places him in elite company, as the only Bulls player to achieve more in a single season was Michael Jordan, who recorded 15 in the 1988-89 season. Moreover, Giddey made history by becoming the first player in NBA history to have a triple-double coupled with a winning buzzer-beater against the Lakers, according to Basketball-Reference.
White also shone brightly, finishing with 26 points after an impressive streak of three consecutive games scoring over 35 points. The resilience displayed by the Bulls has been remarkable, especially considering their struggles earlier in the season.
Coach Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of conditioning and preparation, noting that the foundation for the team's current success was laid during offseason workouts in September. "We've got to be in great shape to play this way," he stated. The Bulls have transformed from a team that seemed to be faltering—especially after trading Zach LaVine to Sacramento and suffering six straight losses—to one that is now capable of defeating top teams like the Lakers and Denver.
As Giddey reflected on their recent performances, he stated, "We've shown over the last month to six weeks that we can beat anybody. The way we play the game wears people down. We get up and down. We run. We put heat on them to get back." This newfound energy and competitiveness have revitalized the Bulls, making them a formidable force in the league once again.
