Aussies Abroad: Giddey's best scoring night

Aussies Abroad: Giddey's best scoring night

Friday, February 21, 2025

Josh Giddey registered 27 points, 16 rebounds and four assists in the Chicago Bulls' loss over the New York Knicks.

Josh Giddey has enjoyed his best scoring night in Chicago colours, but his out-of-form Bulls still suffered an overtime defeat in New York.

The Australian registered 27 points, 16 rebounds, four assists, one steal and a block at Madison Square Garden on Thursday (Friday AEDT) but it was not enough against the Knicks, who ran out 113-111 winners.

Karl-Anthony Towns (32 points, 18 rebounds) and Jalen Brunson (22 points, 12 assists) recorded double-doubles for New York, who improved to 36-18 in their first game since the NBA's All-Star break.

Nikola Vucevic added 21 points for Chicago (22-34), who have lost their past five games.

He had a chance to win it with two seconds left in the fourth quarter, but had his shot blocked by Mikal Bridges under the basket.

Giddey opened overtime with a three-pointer before the Knicks responded with a 9-0 run, highlighted by three consecutive baskets from Towns.

Bulls guard Giddey shot 11-of-18, including four of six attempts from outside, during his 35 minutes of action.

Fellow Boomers star Dyson Daniels recorded a double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) but was also on the wrong side of the scoreboard in Atlanta's 114-108 loss to visiting Orlando.

Paolo Banchero had 36 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the Magic rallied from an early 19-point deficit.

Trae Young scored 38 points for the hosts, while Daniels added four assists and three steals. That gave him 152 for the season, which is more than last season's steal leaders De'Aaron Fox and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (150) and is the most of any player since the 2018-19 season.

Elsewhere, Aussie Josh Green had 19 points, three boards and two assists in the Charlotte Hornets' 129-115 loss in Denver, while compatriot Ben Simmons compiled six points, five rebounds and four assists in the Los Angeles Clippers' 116-110 defeat at Milwaukee.

There were also wins for Cleveland and Boston, the top two in the Eastern Conference standings.

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