Aussie basketball sensation Josh Giddey is on an incredible journey, leaving an indelible mark on the NBA's record books. His recent performance against the Philadelphia 76ers was nothing short of historic, and it's time to dive into the details of this remarkable feat.
Giddey, the 23-year-old Chicago Bulls guard, has been on fire since the start of the 2025/26 season. On Wednesday (AEDT), he continued his dominant streak, putting up numbers that left fans and experts alike in awe. He recorded his second consecutive triple-double, finishing with a game-high 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists. It was a performance that showcased his all-around brilliance and leadership on the court.
But here's where it gets controversial... Giddey's achievement is not just about the numbers. It's about the impact he had on the game. Down by 24 points, Giddey single-handedly led the Bulls back into contention, stunning the Sixers and securing a thrilling 113-111 victory. This comeback was the biggest for the Bulls since 2021, and Giddey delivered the game-winning play with precision and poise.
With just 14 seconds left, Giddey received the ball near half-court and proceeded to drive past Kelly Oubre, displaying an incredible display of skill and composure. He then delivered a perfect pass to Nikola Vucevic, who was wide open in the corner. Vucevic made no mistake, nailing the three-pointer to put the Bulls ahead by two points with only 3.2 seconds remaining. The Sixers had one last chance, but Quentin Grimes' three-point attempt fell short, sealing the victory for the Bulls.
And this is the part most people miss: Giddey's impact goes beyond the stats. His ability to rally his team and deliver in clutch moments is a testament to his leadership and mental fortitude. He's not just a talented player; he's a game-changer.
Giddey's achievement is even more remarkable when you consider the historical context. He became the first Chicago player to record back-to-back triple-doubles since the legendary Michael Jordan achieved the feat in the 1988-89 season. Additionally, he surpassed Scottie Pippen for the second-most 20-point triple-doubles in Bulls franchise history. Talk about following in some big footsteps!
The Bulls currently sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, and Giddey's eye-popping numbers through the first seven games have been a major factor in their success. He's averaging just shy of a triple-double, with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game. It's a stat line that has fans and analysts buzzing, and it's no surprise that Giddey recently signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension.
So, what's next for this Aussie star? The Bulls will hit the road on Saturday, kicking off a two-game away trip against the Milwaukee Bucks. Will Giddey continue his dominant streak? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the NBA has a new superstar in the making, and his name is Josh Giddey.