In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Bulls pulled off a remarkable comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, March 27, 2025, at the United Center. With just seconds left on the clock, Bulls guard Josh Giddey launched a half-court shot that swished through the net, sealing a 119-117 victory for Chicago. This thrilling finish capped an incredible fourth-quarter performance that saw the Bulls erase an 18-point deficit.
The Lakers, who had been riding high after a narrow win against the Indiana Pacers just two days prior, seemed in control of the game heading into the final quarter. They led 91-75 after a dominant third period, during which Luka Doncic scored 12 points and the team outscored the Bulls 32-17. However, the tide turned dramatically in the fourth quarter as the Lakers faltered defensively, allowing Chicago to capitalize on their mistakes.
With just 12.6 seconds remaining, the Lakers held a 115-110 lead. But the Bulls struck back quickly. Patrick Williams hit a crucial three-pointer to narrow the gap to just two points. In a pivotal moment, Giddey stole an inbound pass from LeBron James and quickly flicked it to Coby White, who drained another three-pointer, putting the Bulls ahead 116-115 with only 6.1 seconds left.
In a frantic finish, Austin Reaves managed to give the Lakers a brief lead with a layup, making it 117-116 with just 3.3 seconds on the clock. But the Bulls had one last chance to snatch victory. Giddey inbounded the ball to Williams, who immediately returned it to him. Giddey then launched a 47-foot shot over James that found nothing but net as the buzzer sounded, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Giddey's miraculous shot capped off a stellar performance, as he finished the game with a triple-double: 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. This marked Giddey's fifth triple-double of the season, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league. Coby White also played a key role for the Bulls, contributing 26 points and nine assists, while Kevin Huerter added 21 points.
The Lakers, despite their disappointing loss, had standout performances themselves. Reaves led the team with 30 points and three assists, while Doncic had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Jaxson Hayes added 19 points and eight rebounds, and LeBron James contributed 17 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds. However, the Lakers' defensive lapses in the fourth quarter proved costly.
"We just let our guard down at the worst time," James reflected after the game. "We had a good lead and we should have closed it out, but we allowed them to get back in it. It’s a tough loss, but we’ll learn from it and move on."
The game was a rollercoaster from the start. The Bulls jumped out to an early lead, going up 24-11 after a three-pointer from Matas Buzelis. They ended the first quarter ahead 32-22, but the Lakers began to find their rhythm in the second quarter. Reaves scored 12 points during that period, helping the Lakers to notch their first lead of the game at 59-58 just before halftime.
As the teams returned from the break, the Lakers came out firing, dominating the third quarter and establishing a significant 16-point lead. However, the fourth quarter told a different story. The Bulls capitalized on the Lakers' mistakes, hitting 11 three-pointers in the final period alone, which was pivotal in their comeback.
The loss for the Lakers marks a continuation of their struggles, having now dropped five of their last six games. Coach Darvin Ham expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about his team’s potential. "We need to tighten up our defense and make smarter decisions in crunch time. We can’t afford to let leads slip away like this," he stated.
Meanwhile, the Bulls have found renewed energy, now boasting a 5-1 record in their last six games. Giddey’s emergence has been a significant factor in their recent success, as he has averaged impressive numbers since the All-Star break—22.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. His ability to perform under pressure has drawn comparisons to some of the franchise's greats.
As the post-game celebrations continued in Chicago, the Bulls’ fans reveled in the thrill of victory, while the Lakers faced the harsh reality of a missed opportunity. With the playoffs approaching, both teams will need to regroup and focus on their next challenges. The Lakers will look to bounce back in their next game, while the Bulls aim to build on their momentum and continue their push for a playoff spot.
This game will undoubtedly be remembered for Giddey’s incredible buzzer-beater, a moment that will be replayed for years to come. As the season winds down, every game becomes crucial, and both teams will be looking to solidify their standings in the league.
