The Chicago Bulls pulled off an astonishing 119-117 comeback victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, thanks to Josh Giddey’s sensational half-court buzzer-beater. The United Center erupted as Giddey launched a long-range effort from his own half, sealing a memorable win for the Bulls.
Trailing by five points with less than 13 seconds remaining, the Bulls hit three consecutive three-pointers in the final moments of the game. Giddey’s last-second shot not only secured the victory but also marked a historic moment in his career.
Giddey’s Triple-Double Performance
Josh Giddey delivered a standout performance, finishing the game with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. This marked his fifth triple-double of the season. The only Bulls player to achieve more in a single campaign was Michael Jordan, who managed 15 triple-doubles in the 1988-89 season.
Josh Giddey’s Key Stats Against Lakers:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Points | 25 |
| Rebounds | 14 |
| Assists | 11 |
| Three-Pointers | 5 |
Giddey’s heroics have cemented his place as one of the league’s rising stars, and his ability to perform under pressure was on full display against the Lakers.
LeBron James Reflects on Lakers’ Collapse
LeBron James, who played a crucial role in the game, admitted that the Lakers should have closed out the match. A costly turnover when the Lakers were up 115-113 with 9.8 seconds left allowed the Bulls to capitalize.
“We put ourselves in position to win, gave up a lot of threes in the fourth quarter, still put ourselves in position to win,” James said. “Horrible turnover by myself, miscommunication the play before that. AR (Austin Reaves) tried to save us. Tip your hats.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick described the mood in the dressing room as one of “devastation.”
Lakers’ Performance Breakdown:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| LeBron James | 32 | 8 | 6 |
| Anthony Davis | 28 | 12 | 4 |
| Austin Reaves | 20 | 5 | 7 |
Despite a strong performance, the Lakers’ late-game collapse cost them a crucial win.
Thunder Match Franchise Record
While the Bulls and Lakers’ game stole the headlines, the Oklahoma City Thunder made history by securing their 61st win of the season with a dominant 125-104 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 37 points, helping the Thunder match their franchise record for wins in a season. With a Western Conference title already secured, Oklahoma City is now focused on making a deep playoff run.
Oklahoma City Thunder Season Record:
| Season | Wins | Losses | Playoff Result |
| 2011-12 | 60 | 22 | NBA Finals (Lost) |
| 2012-13 | 60 | 22 | Conference Semis |
| 2023-24 | 61 | 12 | TBD |
Thunder guard Luguentz Dort emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum heading into the postseason.
“It just shows how much we’re getting better throughout the years – and we’ve got to run through the finish line,” Dort said.
Final Thoughts
The NBA season continues to provide thrilling moments, with Giddey’s half-court buzzer-beater standing out as one of the highlights. The Bulls’ comeback win over the Lakers and the Thunder’s record-equalling season are shaping the league’s playoff picture. Fans can expect more excitement as the postseason approaches.