Josh Giddey showcased his impressive skills by recording his seventh triple-double of the season, bolstering his case for a first-time All-Star selection. The Chicago Bulls triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a tight 126-123 victory, marking their fourth consecutive win.
The game played on Wednesday was particularly significant for Giddey as he stepped up in the absence of his Australian teammate, Dyson Daniels, who was sidelined with hip inflammation. The 23-year-old point guard played a pivotal role in overcoming an early deficit, finishing the game with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 15 assists while shooting 53.3% from the field.
Giddey made a crucial play in the final minute, hitting a decisive shot that helped secure the win for the Bulls. With just 39.8 seconds left, he displayed his physicality by driving past Hawks star Trae Young and converting a layup, extending Chicago’s lead to three points, which they maintained until the final buzzer.
This match marked the second encounter between the Bulls and Hawks in just three days, following a high-scoring affair that saw them combine for 302 points in Atlanta. With this win, Chicago improved its record to 14-15, a remarkable turnaround after struggling with a 5-15 record in their previous 20 games. Giddey’s season average stands impressively at 20.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game.
In the early stages of the game, Chicago faced defensive challenges, allowing 36 points in the first quarter. Giddey struggled to find his rhythm initially but contributed with five assists during that period. He then found his scoring touch, hitting consecutive three-pointers and accumulating a notable eight points, eight rebounds, and nine assists by halftime.
Notably, Giddey’s quick achievement of his 25th career triple-double came within just 20 minutes of play, marking the fastest in Bulls franchise history. He now joins an elite group of only six players in NBA history to achieve 25 triple-doubles by age 23, alongside legends like Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson.
Bulls beat reporter Elias Schuster emphasized the importance of Giddey and teammate Matas Buzelis in the Bulls’ recent success, stating that the development of these young players is the most critical storyline of the season, regardless of wins and losses.
As Chicago pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Hawks 34-18, Giddey played a crucial role, contributing seven points. However, he will need to work on ball security, as he ended the night with seven turnovers, the highest on his team, underscoring the challenges he faces as a primary ball-handler alongside Young.