Game Recap: Giddey hits game-winner to down Lakers

David Banks - USA Today Sports

Dustin Riese - Senior Writer - Friday, March 28 2025

CHICAGO - Who would've thought that this late in the season that the Chicago Bulls (33-40) would be one of the hottest team's in the NBA. Record aside, that has been the case as the Bulls have won five of their last seven and seven of their last nine to not only create some seperation in the play-in standings, but to also become one of the hottest team's in the Eastern Conference.

That continued Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers (44-29) at the United Center as the Bulls looked to make it two wins in a week against this team. Backed by several strong performances, including another triple-double from Josh Giddey who finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, the Bulls were able to keep things which is all you can ask for.

Giddey has been the story for the better part of a month and was again the story here as he managed to come through with a game winner as time expired to close out another drammatic come from behind win for the Bulls 119-117. Given how the first quarter started with the Bulls in front 32-22, you wouldn't have thought this game was going to be as close as it was.

Coby White got off to a massive start by scoring nine of his team-high 26 points in that opening quarter, which is something the Bulls have seen a lot of from him. White also knocked down five triples in the game and had a great shooting night from deep, which is something the Bulls need out of him more down the stretch.

Following the strong first quarter from the Bulls, it was all Los Angeles for the better part of 25 minutes as they not only outscored the Bulls by 11 in the second to take a one-point halftime lead, but then came out to start the second half with a 32-17 advantage in the third to build up a 16-point lead. Having Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic combine for 55 points was a massive reason for that as Reaves led the Lakers with 30 points and Doncic adding 25.

Doncic also tried to do his best Giddey impression by coming away with 10 boards and eight assists as he continues to play well in his new colors. The Lakers also benefitted from Jaxson Hayes adding 19 points and LeBron James picking up 17 points to go with 12 assists as those four were the main offensive weapons for this team.

Credit the Bulls defense for how they were able to defend James as he has carved them up most of his career, but wasn't able to have the type of games he is accustomed to in this one. Not only has the play of Giddey been a big reason for the Bulls late season surge, but it has been their improved play on defense which may not have always been the case in this one, but it was when they needed it the most.

Take the fourth quarter for example as double-digit deficits are no stranger to this team. Sometimes you have the feeling that the Bulls would rather face a double-digit deficit as opposed to a close game as it does seem to bring out the best in the team. Whether it be Giddey or White leading the way in the fourth, Chicago was starting to catch fire and more often than not that is bad news for everyone involved.

Their play throughout the game opened things up for other players, including the hot Kevin Huerter who finished with 21 points on 5-10 shooting from three as the Bulls knocked down 19 triples on the night. Nikola Vucevic (14 points) and Matas Buzelis (12 points) made it five starters in double figures for Chicago as their balanced scoring attack continues to bring in the wins.

Not only has the starting rotation started to play more consistently together, but so has the bench as they too had a pair of big games to help lead to a comeback win. Patrick Williams had one of his better games since returning with 11 points, with Zach Collins adding 10 to give the Bulls seven double-digit scorers.

All seven of them played a role in the fourth as the Bulls went on to erase a 16-point fourth quarter deficit by outscoring the Lakers 44-26 in the final 12 minutes, capped off by the Giddey winner to grab another win. Next up for the Bulls will be a meeting with the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday as they have been struggling since the deadline. Anthony Davis is expected back for that game, but the Mavericks will be without Kyrie Irving.