In a stunning conclusion at the United Center, Josh Giddey led the Chicago Bulls to a nail-biting 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers with a spectacular half-court buzzer-beater on Thursday night.
The Bulls, trailing by five points with under 13 seconds left, managed to orchestrate an incredible sequence of three consecutive three-pointers in the dying seconds.
With time expiring, Giddey launched a desperate shot from his own half, watching in calm triumph as the ball swished through the hoop.
Giddey’s fifth triple-double of the season—25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—solidified his status as a key player for the Bulls. Remarkably, only the legendary Michael Jordan has more triple-doubles in a single season for the franchise.
The Lakers, despite impressive efforts by LeBron James and Austin Reaves, were undone by critical turnovers and a lapse in defense during the final moments.
Head coach JJ Redick admitted the loss left the team feeling “devastated,” calling it “a brutal way to lose a game.”
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrated a landmark win, securing their 61st victory of the season against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone brightly with a game-high 37 points, emphasizing the Thunder’s hopes for a deep playoff run.