Clutch Chaos Leads to Bulls Win Over Lakers, 119-117

The Lakers likely hoped to carry their clutch momentum from Indianapolis to Chicago. However, hope swung in the Bulls' favor with a magical game-winning shot by guard Josh Giddey that sealed the victory for Chicago, 119-117.

Bulls Pick Up Where They Left Off

In the first quarter, the Bulls leaned into the same offensive strategy they used against the Lakers in Los Angeles on March 22, 2025. They emphasized efficient scoring in the paint and transition offense, shooting 8 of 13 in the paint and scoring seven fast-break points during the first quarter.

Impromptu Arturas Karnisovas

During the second quarter of the game, Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas appeared on the local Bulls television broadcast with CHSN game announcers Adam Amin and Stacey King for an interview.

Karnisovas' comments praised Bulls head coach Billy Donovan, highlighting the strong post-All-Star Game performance of Coby White and Josh Giddey. He also spoke positively about the contributions of new Bulls additions Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Zach Collins.

Karnisovas confirmed he achieved his goal of retaining the Bulls' 2025 first-round pick, a comment that made headlines. However, Bulls fans may debate his chosen method to reach this goal.

Lakers Take Control of the Game

The Bulls' offensive game plan appeared sound throughout nearly the entire first half, as they never relinquished the lead from the opening tip-off. However, Lakers guard Gabe Vincent hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to close the second quarter, giving the Lakers their first lead of the game at 59-58 at halftime.

The Lakers confidently carried their buzzer-beating momentum into the second half and appeared fully in control of the Bulls, mounting their largest game lead to 18 points in the second half.

46 Seconds of Clutch Madness

The Bulls entered the fourth quarter against the Lakers in dire circumstances, trailing 91-76. Coby White exploded in the fourth quarter, scoring 15 points that put the Bulls in position for one of the most thrilling final 46 seconds of the 2024-25 NBA regular season.

Bulls forward hit a critical three-point shot with 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter, narrowing the Bulls' deficit to one point, 111-110. On their next two offensive possessions, Lakers guard Austin Reaves extended the Lakers' lead to 115-110. It seemed the Lakers had enough of a cushion to leave the United Center with a victory.

Patrick Williams and Coby White said No! 

Williams and White bombed three-point makes on back-to-back Bulls offensive possesions that put the Bulls back in the lead 116-115 with 00:06 left on the game clock.

Austin Reaves appeared intent on playing the villain, scoring a layup with three seconds left on the game clock to reclaim the lead for the Lakers at 117-116. Who would rise to be the hero the Bulls needed for victory? Josh Giddey!

In the final possession of the game, the Bulls inbounded the ball to Josh Giddey, and Giddey proceeded to hit the biggest three-point shot of his Bulls career to give the Bulls a buzzer-beating win over the Lakers, 119-117!

What's on Tap Next

On Saturday, the Bulls welcome the visiting Dallas Mavericks to the United Center.  Saturday's game will be the second and final matchup between the Bulls and Mavericks of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. The Mavericks defeated the Bulls 119-99 on November 6, 2024.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).