29
Dec
Stats Stuffer
Triple double Josh Giddey, with excitement
Josh Giddey #3 of the Chicago Bulls celebrates a basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at the United Center on December 28, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Giddey back from injury with triple double in win against Bucks
- Josh Giddey has 13th career triple double
- Bucks were without former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Giddey hit big clutch three to put Bulls ahead
Australian point guard Josh Giddey — back after missing 12 days with an ankle injury — delivered the 13th triple double of his career and made several big plays down the stretch to lead the Chicago Bulls to a come-from-behind 116-111 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, December 29, 2024.
Giddey finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists hitting a go-ahead three from the corner in the clutch and then two free throws to push the lead to four.
Milwaukee was again without Giannis Antetokounmpo because of illness.
Perennial All-Star Damian Lillard dropped 29 in the five-point.
The Bulls came out firing in the first quarter, building an early 33-25 lead behind Giddey's playmaking and Nikola Vucevic's inside presence. However, the visitors battled back in the second quarter behind Khris Middleton's sharpshooting, narrowing the gap to just two points at halftime.
The third quarter had the teams trading baskets, with neither able to gain a significant advantage. But it was in the fourth where Chicago seized control for good. Zach LaVine, quiet for much of the night, came alive with several key buckets down the stretch.
The statistics tell the tale of Chicago's impressive team performance. The Bulls out-rebounded the Bucks 52-43, including a crucial 11-6 edge on the offensive glass. This led to a 17-7 advantage in second-chance points, a margin that proved decisive in the tight contest. Chicago dished out 33 assists to Milwaukee's 27.
Nikola Vucevic complemented Giddey's all-around brilliance with a dominant performance in the paint, finishing with 23 points and 13 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor and pull Lopez away from the basket opened up driving lanes for Chicago's guards throughout the night.
For the Bucks, this loss continues a concerning trend of inconsistent play on the road. Despite another strong outing from Damian Lillard, who also had 12 assists, Milwaukee's defence was unable to contain Chicago's balanced attack.
The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo was clearly felt on both ends of the court.
