Star guard Giddey flirts with another triple double

• Giddey on a career tear since trade of Zach LaVine
• Daniels adds two more steals to his NBA leading total
• Simmons non-factor in Clippers loss to Lakers

Australian point guard Josh Giddey flirted with another triple double as the Chicago Bulls outlast the Toronto Raptors 125-115 in overtime at the United Center.

Giddey, 21, led the Bulls (24-36) with 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists  defeated the Toronto Raptors (18-42).

Key Details

• Result: Chicago Bulls 125 def. Toronto Raptors 115 (OT)
• When: 1st March 2025
• Where: United Center, Chicago
• Standings: Bulls (#11) | Raptors (#13) (Standings)

By the Numbers

• Coby White (Bulls) starred with 24 points, four rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 37 minutes.
• Scottie Barnes (Raptors) scored 24 points, and had eight rebounds, six assists, and one steal in 36 minutes.

What Happened

The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors engaged in a back-and-forth battle that required overtime to determine a winner. The Raptors started strong, taking a 30-27 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 63-54 at halftime. However, the Bulls fought back in the third quarter, matching Toronto's output to keep the deficit at nine points heading into the final frame.

Chicago's resurgence came in the fourth quarter, where they outscored Toronto 29-20 to force overtime. The Bulls' defence tightened, holding the Raptors to just 20 points in the period while their offence found its rhythm. With the score tied at 110-110 at the end of regulation, the stage was set for a thrilling overtime period.

The overtime session belonged to the Bulls, who dominated with a 15-5 run to secure the victory.

Giddey's all-around game was on full display for Chicago, as he flirted with a triple-double, posting 19 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists. His playmaking ability kept the Bulls' offence flowing throughout the contest. Zach Collins also made a significant impact, contributing 15 points and 13 rebounds, including five crucial offensive boards that provided second-chance opportunities.

For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the charge with 24 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. Immanuel Quickley added 23 points, including four three-pointers, but it wasn't enough to overcome Chicago's balanced attack. The Raptors' bench struggled to make an impact, with Jonathan Mogbo going scoreless in 28 minutes of play.

The Bulls' victory was fuelled by their superior shooting efficiency and domination on the boards. Chicago shot 44.6% from the field compared to Toronto's 41.7%, but lost the rebound battle 45-51. The Bulls' bench outscored Toronto's reserves 43-27

Defensively, Chicago's ability to force turnovers was a key factor, as they recorded 11 steals to Toronto's four. This defensive pressure led to 14 Raptors turnovers, which the Bulls converted into valuable transition opportunities and easy baskets.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Atlanta Hawks

Australian guard Dyson Daniels added two more steals to his league-leading tally in the Atlanta Hawks' crushing home loss to arguably the best team in the NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder, 135-119.

Daniels, 21, now has 167 steals on the season and is starting to firm as the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Thunder guard Alex Ducas didn't suit up for OKC.

Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers

Australian point-forward Ben Simmons played just 16 minutes in the Los Angeles Clippers loss to crosstown rival Los Angeles Lakers in the visitor's 106-102 loss at Cryto.com Arena.

Simmons was -19, scoring just two points while grabbing three rebounds and three assists.

Boomers star Patty Mills was a Tyron Lue DNP-coach's decision.

Portland Trail Blazers @ Brooklyn Nets

Australian centre Duop Reath played just three minutes in the Blazers rout of the Brooklyn Nets.

Reath took just one shot and didn't score.

Indiana Pacers @ Miami Heat

Australian and Indiana forward Johnny Furphy was a DNP-coach's decision in the Pacers 125-120 road loss to the Miami Heat.

Minnesota Timberwolves @ Utah Jazz

Australian forward Joe Ingles was a DNP-coach's decision in the Timberwolves 117-116 road loss to the lowly Utah Jazz.