CHICAGO (AP) — In a thrilling showdown that will be remembered for years to come, Josh Giddey delivered a spectacular buzzer-beater from beyond halfcourt, leading the Chicago Bulls to a stunning 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night at the United Center. Giddey’s shot capped a wild finish, showcasing the resilience of a Bulls team that has turned its season around dramatically.
The Bulls, who trailed by as much as 13 points in the fourth quarter, staged a remarkable comeback that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With just 12.6 seconds left on the clock, the Lakers were in control, leading 115-110 after Austin Reaves hit two crucial free throws. However, the Bulls were not ready to give up.
Patrick Williams ignited the comeback with a critical three-pointer, narrowing the gap. Giddey then made a pivotal play by intercepting a pass from LeBron James, setting up Coby White for another three-pointer that put the Bulls ahead 116-115 with only 6.1 seconds remaining. But the drama didn’t end there. Reaves quickly responded for the Lakers, driving in for a layup that gave Los Angeles a fleeting 117-116 lead with just 3.3 seconds on the clock.
With no timeouts left, Giddey took matters into his own hands. He inbounded the ball to Williams, received it back, and made his move from near the Bulls logo. “Let it fly with confidence,” Giddey said after the game, reflecting on his game-winning shot. “I missed two before that but let that third one go with confidence and nothing but net.” The ball sailed through the net, igniting a wild celebration among teammates and fans alike.
Giddey finished the night with an impressive stat line: 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists, marking his fifth triple-double of the season. Only Michael Jordan has recorded more triple-doubles in a single season for the Bulls, with 15 in the 1988-89 season. Coby White also shone brightly, contributing 26 points, while Kevin Huerter added 21, showcasing the depth of the Bulls' roster.
This victory marked the Bulls' fourth consecutive win and their ninth in the last 11 games, a remarkable turnaround after a sluggish start to the season. Just a month ago, the Bulls were struggling with a 22-35 record and had recently traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. Since then, they have transformed their fortunes, beating formidable opponents like the Lakers and Denver.
“We’ve shown over the last month to six weeks that we can beat anybody,” Giddey said. “The way we play the game, I think it wears people down. We get up and down. We run.” His comments reflect the newfound energy and confidence within the Bulls, a stark contrast to their earlier struggles.
The Lakers, on the other hand, faced another heartbreaking loss. After a thrilling victory against the Indiana Pacers just a day prior, where LeBron James hit a buzzer-beater of his own, the Lakers found themselves on the wrong side of a dramatic finish this time. Coach JJ Redick expressed his disappointment, calling the loss “devastation.” The Lakers have now lost eight of their last 12 games, a concerning trend as they look to regain their footing in the playoff race.
Reaves led the Lakers with 30 points, while Luka Doncic contributed 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Despite their offensive efforts, the Lakers struggled defensively, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they allowed the Bulls to hit 11 of 14 three-point attempts.
As the game drew to a close, the atmosphere in the United Center was electric. Giddey’s halfcourt shot not only sealed the victory but also etched his name into Bulls history as the longest game-winning shot tracked for the franchise. “I’ve never made a game-winner before,” Giddey admitted, reflecting on the moment. “I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again but I’ll take this one tonight.”
The Bulls will look to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup, while the Lakers must regroup quickly as they continue their road trip, with a game against the Memphis Grizzlies looming. The stakes are high, and both teams will need to address their respective challenges as the regular season winds down.
In the wake of this thrilling game, fans can expect more excitement as the NBA season progresses. With teams vying for playoff positions and players like Giddey stepping up in clutch moments, the drama is far from over. The Bulls have proven they can compete with the best, and the Lakers will need to find a way to bounce back from this gut-wrenching defeat.
