The craziest NBA finish in history? Josh Giddey's half-court buzzer-beater seals epic Chicago Bulls win over LA Lakers
Published 28/03/2025 at 10:38 GMT
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An enthralling match at the United Center in Chicago provided drama aplenty, in a match that will be fondly remembered in Bulls history. Josh Giddey won the match in incredible fashion against the Los Angeles Lakers, with one of the finest shots seen this season, and arguably, in NBA history. Patrick Williams and Coby White also played starring roles in a memorable night for the Illinois outfit.
Watch: Best of LeBron at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
Video credit: TNT Sports
The Chicago Bulls claimed an epic 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in a match which arguably had one of the craziest endings in the history of the NBA.
Patrick Williams and Coby White both scored with back-to-back 3-pointers before Josh Giddey stepped in for the piece de resistance and completed a pulsating comeback.
White was the Bulls' top scorer on the night with 26 points, while Giddey claimed 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists for a devastating triple-double.
Kevin Huerter also took 21 to leave the Bulls with nine victories in their last 11 games, the last of which was sealed in some style.
Giddey sparked the Chicago crowd into raptures when he landed a half-court heave right on the buzzer to seal a memorable win for the hosts on Thursday evening.
According to the NBA, Giddey's shot was registered as being from 46 feet out, and was undoubtedly the highlight of the 22-year-old's career to date.
It looked like a very different story when Austin Reaves landed two free throws to push the visitors to a 115-110 lead with only 13 seconds left on the clock.
However, that is when the drama ensued, as Williams landed a 3 with only 10 seconds left before White hit another with six remaining to give the Bulls a razor-thin 116-115 advantage.
The Lakers still played their part in this thrilling finale though, as Reaves struck again to give the Californians a 117-116 lead with just three seconds on the clock.
But that is when Giddey went viral with his sensational shot to win the match at the death.
Ultimately, it turned out to be a frustrating night for the Lakers, with Reaves top scoring with a haul of 30 points.
Luka Doncic added 25 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, Jaxson Hayes took 19, while LeBron James finished with 17 points and 12 assists.
'The next step' - NBA considering Europe expansion
Elsewhere, plans are afoot for an expansion of the NBA into Europe in an exciting partnership with the world's governing body for the sport, FIBA.
The plans are still at a very early stage, but a report in the Guardian states that this could be a 16-team league, following the announcement on Thursday.
It is reported that the league would be likely to follow FIBA rules, which means 40-minute games rather than the 48 minutes in the NBA.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: "We feel now is the time to move to that next stage."
Meanwhile, FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis explained that it is an ideal time to build on the momentum of the Olympics and the governing body is seeking to "unite the basketball ecosystem."
"Coming out of the most successful World Cup and Olympics ever, we also believe it is the right time to take the next step for club basketball.
"Our role as a federation is to unite the basketball ecosystem."
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