Australian basketball sensation Josh Giddey has been turning heads since his offseason trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Chicago Bulls. On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Giddey showcased his extraordinary talent in a commanding 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena, coming remarkably close to achieving a rare quadruple-double.
In that game, Giddey recorded 15 points, 17 assists, 10 rebounds, and eight steals, falling just two steals short of the elusive quadruple-double. This performance not only highlighted Giddey’s versatility on the court but also underscored his pivotal role in the Bulls' offensive strategy. The game was particularly notable, as the Lakers entered as 10.5-point favorites, making the Bulls' win a significant upset.
To put Giddey’s performance into context, only four players in NBA history have ever achieved a quadruple-double. The first was Nate Thurmond, a Chicago Bulls center, who accomplished the feat on October 18, 1974, with a stat line of 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 blocks. Following him were Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs, who recorded 20 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals on February 18, 1986; Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets, who had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 10 assists on March 29, 1990; and David Robinson, also of the Spurs, who achieved 34 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 blocks on February 17, 1994.
Giddey’s near quadruple-double is a testament to his growing influence in the league and his ability to adapt to his new environment with the Bulls. Since joining Chicago, he has averaged 14 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game, shooting at an impressive 46.6% from the field. His recent performances suggest that he is finding his rhythm and becoming a key player for the Bulls.
In his last ten games, Giddey has been particularly impressive, averaging nearly a triple-double with 22.2 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. This surge in performance comes at a time when Giddey has been dealing with ankle issues that have limited his appearances this March. Despite these challenges, he has maintained a shooting percentage of 54.5% from the floor and 40.0% from beyond the arc, showcasing his scoring efficiency.
In a subsequent game on Monday, March 24, 2025, Giddey continued his strong form by scoring 26 points, along with seven rebounds, nine assists, and a block in a 129-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This performance further solidified his status as a rising star in the NBA, as he demonstrated his ability to contribute significantly on both ends of the court.
Giddey’s transition from the Thunder to the Bulls has been beneficial for both him and his new team. The Thunder, who are currently in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference, seem to be thriving without Giddey, thanks in part to the defensive contributions of Alex Caruso, whom they acquired in the trade. While Giddey needed to be a primary ball handler to maximize his potential, the crowded backcourt of the Thunder made it difficult for him to shine alongside stars like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.
In Chicago, however, Giddey has found a system that allows him to flourish. With the Bulls, he has the freedom to run the offense and make plays, which has resulted in a significant uptick in his overall game. The pressure is less intense compared to his time in Oklahoma City, enabling him to develop his skills without the burden of high expectations.
Looking ahead, Giddey’s trajectory in the league appears promising. If he continues to build on his recent performances, he could become a cornerstone for the Bulls as they aim for playoff success. His ability to create opportunities for his teammates, combined with his scoring prowess, makes him a valuable asset for Chicago.
As the NBA season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Giddey’s performances. With the potential for more historic games like his near quadruple-double against the Lakers, Giddey is poised to become one of the league's most exciting players to watch. The Bulls' coaching staff and fans alike will be hoping that this is just the beginning of a remarkable chapter in Giddey’s career.
