Josh Giddey’s Triple-Double Powers Bulls to Victory Over Bucks

 Josh Giddey’s Triple-Double Powers Bulls to Victory Over Bucks

Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks' veteran guard known for pointing to his wrist in clutch moments, couldn’t make his mark in the final minutes on Saturday night at the United Center. As time wound down, Lillard and Khris Middleton could only watch as Coby White raced past them for key jump shots. At the same time, Middleton saw Josh Giddey’s defense stop him in his tracks, before Giddey drilled a go-ahead three-pointer as part of his triple-double. White had earlier fought for a loose ball against two former Bucks All-Stars, and Patrick Williams surprised Middleton with a steal and a fast-break layup. Meanwhile, Zach LaVine drew fouls at the free-throw line to secure a 116-111 victory for the Bulls.

“It was a total team effort,” said LaVine, who finished with 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. “Giddey made a huge shot, and he was incredible with the triple-double. Coby hit some big shots late. Vooch and Pat played key roles too. Everyone contributed, and that’s what helped us win.”

The game was especially impressive for the Bulls because they had relinquished a seven-point lead in the fourth quarter, trailing 106-102 with just over three minutes left. However, the Bulls changed their strategy, opting to challenge the basket more aggressively instead of relying solely on three-pointers. White scored on a scoop shot over Brook Lopez, and after a missed shot from Middleton, LaVine drove past Lillard, drawing a foul and sinking two free throws to tie the game at 106.

Although Giannis Antetokounmpo missed his second game of the week due to illness, the Bucks had previously beaten the Bulls without him and Lillard. Despite the absence, the Bucks were still hoping for championship contention following their successful NBA Cup run. But it was Giddey’s defensive plays that helped seal the win. In the final minute, Giddey prevented Middleton from getting an easy shot, allowing Williams to swoop in for a steal and a fast-break layup. This came right after White had taken the ball from Middleton and Portis, passing it to Giddey, who made the clutch three-pointer to give the Bulls a 109-108 lead with 1:11 left.

Williams then added another steal, and though Lopez hit a three to tie the game at 111 with 43.9 seconds remaining, White answered with an 18-footer to give the Bulls a 113-111 lead. Middleton missed a contested shot, Giddey grabbed the rebound, and was fouled, making two free throws to give the Bulls a four-point lead. With just 10 seconds left, all that was left was for Lillard to check the time and realize the Bucks were heading back to Milwaukee with a loss.

“I thought we stayed calm,” said Giddey, who posted a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. “We made big plays in the last few minutes. Coby was huge down the stretch, and Pat had a massive steal and fast-break layup. Our defense really sparked the run that won us the game. It was a team effort from everyone out there.”

Giddey, who was filling in for the injured Ayo Dosunmu (calf strain), has often been on the floor late in games for his defense, a role that was usually occupied by Dosunmu or Lonzo Ball. The Bucks, like many teams, had targeted Giddey in pick-and-roll situations. Lillard led the Bucks with 29 points, and Middleton added 21, but Giddey’s defensive effort in the closing minutes proved pivotal.

Giddey has been focusing on improving his defense, something he said was a topic of discussion with coach Billy Donovan earlier in the season. He admitted that his defense has been a weakness at times, but he’s made it a point to be more locked in.

“I’ve been working hard on that side of the ball,” Giddey explained. “After that game in Cleveland where I didn’t play much in the fourth quarter, I realized I needed to step up defensively. It was a wake-up call. It’s not going to be perfect, but I want to make things tough for the opponent. I’m not naturally gifted on defense like some players, but I know I can work harder at it. That Cleveland game really changed my mindset.”