Josh Giddey hit a brilliant half-court buzzer-beater to help the Chicago Bulls complete an exceptional 119-117 comeback against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Bulls were trailing by five points with less than 13 seconds remaining at the United Center on Thursday, but they hit three three-pointers in the last 10 seconds of the match.
With time expiring, Giddey let fly from within his own half and walked off with remarkable calm as his shot found the hoop.
With 25 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, Giddey hit his fifth triple-double of the season – the only Bulls player with more in one campaign is the 15 Michael Jordan managed in 1988-89.
“Special moment to do it with these guys, this team,” Giddey said.
LeBron James, who was guilty of giving away possession when his side were 115-113 up with 9.8 seconds left, said the Lakers should have seen the game out.
“We put ourselves in position to win, gave up a lot of threes in the fourth quarter, still put ourselves in position to win,” James said.
“Horrible turnover by myself, miscommunication the play before that. AR (Austin Reaves) tried to save us. Tip your hats.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick said there was a mood of “devastation” in the dressing room afterwards, adding “it’s a hell of a way to lose a basketball game”.
Thunder set franchise record
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top scored with 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder recorded a franchise record 61st win of the season with a 125-104 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Thunder, who have already clinched the Western Conference title, have lost just 12 games and won 61 times in 73 matches this term.
They are hoping to move past the second round of the post-season for the first time since 2016.
“It just shows how much we’re getting better throughout the years – and we’ve got to run through the finish line,” said Thunder guard Luguentz
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