In an electrifying display, Josh Giddey came within two steals of becoming the first NBA player to achieve a quadruple-double in over three decades during the Chicago Bulls' emphatic 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22, 2025. The 22-year-old Australian guard put together an astounding stat line that included 15 points, 10 rebounds, 17 assists, and a career-high 8 steals, underscoring his significant impact on the game.
Giddey’s near feat shines a spotlight on a player enjoying a breakout season as he prepares for restricted free agency in the upcoming offseason. Over his last 11 appearances, he has averaged 22.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.1 assists, and 1.7 steals, affirming his status as a key player for the Bulls. “He’s been a vital piece to the Bulls' success,” said a source from the team. In a league where triple-doubles have become commonplace due to superstars like Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic, quadruple-doubles remain a rare exception. Giddey nearly joined an elite list of players who have pulled off the impressive achievement, a roster that has only seen four instances in NBA history.
The last player to record a quadruple-double was David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs on February 17, 1994, against the Detroit Pistons, where Robinson recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and an impressive 10 blocks. Robinson’s athleticism and performance that night defined his legendary status in basketball. Giddey, however, was not to join Robinson in the record books this time, but his scoring prowess and defensive skills helped propel the Bulls to victory on Saturday.
During the game, the Bulls rallied, outscoring the Lakers by nearly 30 points in the second half. While Giddey's contributions were significant, the team effort included outstanding performances from teammates Coby White and Matas Buzelis, each scoring over 30 points. After a strong first half, the Lakers struggled, particularly against Giddey's tenacity on defense. LeBron James returned to the lineup after a two-week absence due to a groin injury, managing to score 17 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Giddey isn't just emerging as a rising star; he’s showing regulation results at every level of play. His skill set, highlighted as he tied his career high in assists and set new benchmarks for steals, emphasizes the bright future awaiting him as he heads into free agency. There is palpable excitement about what a new contract could look like, especially with his performance in the lead-up.
Reflecting on his recent games, Giddey has been nothing short of spectacular, proving to be a core part of the Bulls' future ambitions. “His vision and playmaking ability are next level,” one coach remarked. “He’s setting a foundation for what we want to build here.” As the Bulls focus on securing a playoff spot, Giddey's development could be crucial in ensuring strong performances throughout the remainder of the season.
In the broader context of the NBA, Giddey’s near quadruple-double aligns him with other historical greats who have graced the league. Players like Nate Thurmond, who hit the first-ever quadruple-double on October 18, 1974, and Alvin Robertson, who followed suit on February 18, 1986, are part of the folklore that new generations of players aspire to break into. While Giddey fell short of joining that illustrious group this time around, it's a clear indication of the extraordinary talent rising in the league.
With the Bulls winning seven of their last nine games, they are gearing up for their next challenge against the Denver Nuggets on March 24, 2025. The momentum is on their side, and Giddey will undoubtedly be looking to continue this impressive form. “The feeling inside this team is that we can go far,” Giddey said recently. The energy in the Bulls’ camp is palpable as the regular season draws to a close, with Giddey at the forefront of this exciting journey.
As fans and analysts eagerly follow Giddey’s career trajectory, one thing is certain—his journey has only just begun, and the chapter he's writing now could lead to amazing milestones and possibly a historical season ahead.
