In a game that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent NBA history, Josh Giddey led the Chicago Bulls to a 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers at the United Center on March 27, 2025.
A Tale of Two Halves
The Lakers dominated the first half, establishing a 59-58 lead at halftime. Their momentum continued into the third quarter, where they outscored the Bulls 32-17, building an 18-point advantage. Luka Doncic’s sharpshooting and LeBron James‘ playmaking seemed to put the game out of reach.
The Bulls’ Resilient Surge
Refusing to succumb to the deficit, the Bulls began their resurgence in the final quarter. Coby White’s perimeter shooting and Nikola Vucevic’s presence in the paint ignited a 14-2 run, narrowing the gap to just four points. The United Center buzzed with renewed energy as Chicago intensified its defensive efforts.
The Final 12.6 Seconds
With 12.6 seconds remaining and the Bulls trailing 115-110, the improbable unfolded:
Patrick Williams‘ Quick Three: Out of a timeout, Williams calmly sank a three-pointer, reducing the deficit to two points.
Giddey’s Defensive Prowess: On the ensuing possession, Josh Giddey intercepted a lazy inbounds pass from LeBron James, setting up Coby White for a go-ahead three-pointer, giving the Bulls a 116-115 lead with 6.1 seconds left.
Austin Reaves’ Brief Triumph: Austin Reaves responded with a swift drive, reclaiming the lead for the Lakers with a layup, making it 117-116 with 3.3 seconds on the clock.
Giddey’s Buzzer-Beater: In the final moments, Josh Giddey received the inbounds pass, advanced to half-court, and launched a shot over James as time expired. The ball sailed through the air, swishing through the net and sealing the victory for the Bulls.
Josh Giddey’s Triple-Double Performance
Giddey’s all-around excellence was evident throughout the game:
Scoring: 25 points
Rebounding: 14 rebounds
Assists: 11 assists
This performance marked his 16th career triple-double, underscoring his versatility and impact on the game.
Supporting Cast Contributions:
White led the Bulls in scoring with 26 points, while Vucevic contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. For the Lakers, Reaves and Doncic were the standout performers, each surpassing the 25-point mark.
What’s Ahead
This victory improves the Bulls’ record to 33-40, marking their ninth win in the last 11 games. As they continue their push toward the postseason, performances like this serve as a testament to their resilience and determination.
