CHICAGO — As the ball left Josh Giddey’s hands from halfcourt, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Moments later, his teammates surrounded him joyously, as Giddey’s spectacular shot at the buzzer led the Chicago Bulls to a dramatic 119-117 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night. This thrilling finish is already being hailed as one of the most exciting conclusions of the NBA season.
Giddey expressed his elation at achieving this moment with his teammates, highlighting the unique camaraderie within the squad. For the Lakers, the emotional whiplash was stark. The previous night saw them triumph over Indiana thanks to a LeBron James tip-in at the buzzer, only to fall short in such a heart-wrenching manner against the Bulls. Head coach JJ Redick summed up the feeling succinctly, describing the outcome as “devastation” and a tough way to lose any match.
The Lakers had appeared well-positioned, holding a 13-point lead midway through the final quarter and leading 115-110 after Austin Reaves’ successful free throws with just 12.6 seconds left on the clock. Yet, they faltered, marking their eighth defeat in 12 games. Their road trip concludes in Memphis, providing a brief respite to shake off this defeat.
LeBron James reflected on the game, acknowledging a personal turnover and a miscommunication while commending the Bulls for their late-game execution. Despite Reaves stepping up with a late layup that momentarily put the Lakers ahead, Chicago’s relentless spirit led to a stunning finish.
The Bulls were unstoppable from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, sinking 11 of their 14 attempts. In a jaw-dropping final sequence, Patrick Williams hit a crucial three, and after a Giddey steal from James, Coby White nailed another to give Chicago the edge with just over six seconds remaining. With 3.3 seconds to go, Reaves briefly swung the advantage back to Los Angeles before Giddey sealed the game with his memorable shot near the Bulls logo.
The victory extended Chicago’s impressive run to 11 wins in their last 16 games after a rocky period. Key trades and internal growth have seen them beat formidable opponents, including the Lakers twice and Denver. Their recent form is a testament to their ability to compete with the best.
Josh Giddey, vital to their success, recorded his fifth triple-double with an impressive 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists—numbers reminiscent of the legendary Michael Jordan’s 1988-89 season. Meanwhile, Coby White added 26 points, continuing his exceptional run of form.
Coach Billy Donovan attributed this success to the team’s dedication from pre-season workouts onward, emphasizing the importance of fitness and a fast-paced playing style. This approach, which began in September with rigorous scrimmages, has cultivated a mentality of resilience and relentlessness within the squad.
Such a thrilling game and vibrant team performance showcase the Bulls’ potential to challenge anyone, underscoring the transformative journey they have undergone since the challenging days of their season.