March 27, 2025. Put that date in your calendar if you're a Chicago fan, or maybe burn it if you're a Lakers lifer. The United Center was already vibrating because the Bulls had just erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit, but what happened in the final three seconds was basically a fever dream. Josh Giddey half court shot wasn't just a lucky heave; it was the exclamation point on a performance that cemented his status as the engine of the "new look" Bulls.
Honestly, the ending was chaotic. LeBron James had just coughed up a rare, brutal turnover. Coby White hit a massive three. Then Austin Reaves drove to the cup for what everyone thought was the game-winner, giving the Lakers a one-point lead with only 3.3 seconds left. Chicago had no timeouts. Zip. Nada.
Giddey gets the ball on the move. He’s near the Bulls logo, roughly 45 feet out. He doesn't panic. He just... flings it. The ball hung in the air long enough for the entire arena to hold its breath. Swish. Buzzer. Bedlam.
Why the Josh Giddey Half Court Shot Changed the Season
People forget how much pressure was on Giddey when he arrived in Chicago. He was the centerpiece of the Alex Caruso trade, a move that left a lot of Bulls fans scratching their heads. They missed Caruso’s defense. They weren’t sure if a 6-foot-8 playmaker who struggled with his jumper could thrive next to Coby White.
That Josh Giddey half court shot changed the narrative instantly. It wasn't just about the three points; it was about the stat line he dragged with him into that moment. Giddey finished that night with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists.
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That’s a triple-double plus a game-winning buzzer-beater. Do you know how rare that is? He became only the 10th player in NBA history to pull off that specific combo. For context, the only Bulls player to ever record more triple-doubles in a single season was Michael Jordan back in the 80s. When you're being mentioned in the same breath as MJ for versatility, you've officially arrived.
The Mechanics of a Miracle
Most players "shot put" a ball from half court. Giddey’s form was surprisingly fluid. He stepped into it, using his momentum from the inbound pass by Patrick Williams.
- Distance: Approximately 45–50 feet.
- Time Remaining: 3.3 seconds (shot released with roughly 0.8 left).
- Defense: Anthony Davis was closing out, but Giddey’s height allowed him to see over the contest.
- The Result: The eighth-longest game-winning buzzer-beater in the history of the league.
Impact on the Bulls-Lakers Rivalry
The Lakers were devastated. JJ Redick, in his first year as head coach, called the loss "gut-wrenching." And it was. The Lakers had led by 13 halfway through the fourth. They felt like they had the game in their pocket.
But Chicago had been playing a different brand of basketball for about six weeks leading up to that game. Billy Donovan had them running. They were playing with a 14-second shot clock in practice just to get their lungs ready. Giddey later said in the post-game presser that veteran teams—hinting at the Lakers' older roster—simply don't want to chase them in transition for 48 minutes. He was right. The Bulls wore them down, and the Josh Giddey half court shot was the final blow.
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Stats Don't Lie: The Giddey Leap
Since that night, Giddey’s confidence has been through the roof. If we look at his 2025-2026 season stats, he's basically averaging a near triple-double. We're talking 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game.
He is currently one of only two players in the league averaging a 20-9-9 split, with the other being Nikola Jokić. That's elite company. His three-point shooting, which was his biggest flaw in Oklahoma City, has climbed to a respectable 38.6%. He’s no longer a guy you can just "sag off" of. If you do, he’ll punish you, or worse, find a teammate for a backdoor cut you didn't even see coming.
Beyond the Highlight: The 5-0 Start
That momentum carried right into the start of the 2025-2026 season. The Bulls went 5-0 for the first time in nearly three decades. Giddey was the catalyst, dropping 32 points on the Knicks on Halloween night.
People used to call him "Slo-Mo" or worry about his foot speed. Now, they just call him the "Wizard." His ability to manipulate defenders with his eyes is second to none. He’ll look at the corner shooter and then whip a no-look pass to a cutting Nikola Vučević that leaves the defense standing still. It's high-level stuff.
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What Critics Still Get Wrong
Some folks still point to his turnovers—he averages about 3.6 a game. Sure, it’s high. But when you’re the primary engine of an offense that ranks in the top five for pace, you’re going to have some giveaways. It’s the price you pay for the "Giddey Magic."
The real question isn't whether he turns it over; it's whether his impact outweighs those mistakes. Given the Bulls' record and his plus-minus stats, the answer is a resounding yes. He’s transformed Chicago from a play-in hopeful into a team that nobody wants to see in the first round of the playoffs.
What’s Next for Josh Giddey?
He’s currently dealing with a bit of a hamstring tweak that’s sidelined him for a few games in early 2026, but the prognosis is good. The Bulls have shown they can stay afloat, but they clearly lack that "connector" piece when he’s not on the floor.
If Giddey stays healthy and keeps this trajectory, we’re looking at a lock for the All-Star game and potentially an All-NBA third-team nod. Not bad for a guy many thought was a "salary dump" just a year ago.
Actionable Insights for NBA Fans:
- Watch the Replay: If you haven't seen the Josh Giddey half court shot from the March 27, 2025 game, go find the multi-angle broadcast. Pay attention to how he uses his footwork to generate power without a full wind-up.
- Monitor the Stats: Keep an eye on Giddey’s triple-double count. He’s currently chasing Michael Jordan’s franchise record for a single season.
- Scout the Bulls: Look at how Chicago spaces the floor when Giddey is at the "logo." His threat from deep has fundamentally changed how teams have to guard Coby White and Zach LaVine.
The league is changing. Positionless basketball is the new standard, and a 6-foot-8 point guard who can hit game-winners from the logo is exactly what the modern NBA looks like.