The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers faced off in one of the most thrilling games in recent memory on Thursday night.
With just 12 seconds left, the Bulls were down by five, but a pair of three-pointers and a stunning half-court buzzer-beater by Josh Giddey secured a dramatic 119-117 victory for Chicago. The Bulls outscored the Lakers 9-2 in the final moments, capping off an 18-point fourth-quarter comeback.
While Chicago’s resilience was remarkable, the Lakers suffered a complete meltdown.
After the game, Lakers star Luka Doncic reflected on the crushing loss, acknowledging how close his team was to victory.
“I don’t think it’s about feeling sorry for ourselves,” Doncic said. “We basically had the game in hand.”
Doncic posted an impressive stat line with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, but nothing could stop the Bulls’ improbable rally. He later elaborated on what led to LA’s late-game collapse.
“We relaxed in the fourth quarter,” Doncic admitted. “We just gotta play the game for 48 minutes. If we play all 48 minutes with the same energy, we’re hard to beat.”
The Lakers had built an 18-point lead in the final quarter but let their guard down. While LA’s collapse was significant, credit must be given to the Bulls for their determination and refusal to quit. Their incredible late-game performance, particularly the unforgettable final 12 seconds, will be remembered as one of the most shocking finishes in NBA history.