Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls have pulled off a shock upset over title contenders Denver Nuggets 130-127 a day after double overtime road loss in Utah.
Giddey racked up 21 points, 14 rebounds, six assists and two steals and the Bulls snapped a five-game losing streak in their biggest victory this season while ending the 10-3 Nuggets’ seven-game win streak.
While the Aussie shot an efficient 8-of-12 from the field, it was his work on the glass that really shone to get his team extra possessions.
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Chicago survived a monster triple-double from Nikola Jokic (36 points, 18 rebounds, 13 assists) and season-high 34 points from Jamal Murray as the Nuggets dropped their first game at home.
But the visitors’ bench outscored Denver’s 66-9 in a stunning discrepancy and largely the difference in the game.
It was a sloppy start from both teams including a combined 4-of-16 shooting display to start the game, with Giddey looking to pass more than attack the paint.
The Nuggets led 11-3 early and were in front for the majority of the first term until Chicago’s bench took over late in the period to give the visitors a 30-28 edge.
The Bulls surged ahead 50-32 midway through the second term in a dominant run as Denver looked like the team coming off a double overtime match
But Denver’s starters got them back in the game in an emphatic 32-13 five-minute response — doubling its score in that period — including consecutive threes to Cam Johnson inside the last two minutes.
It was a back-and-forth start to the third term. Until the Bulls, like in the first term, took over midway through the period.
A Giddey layup gave the Bulls the lead back at 83-181 with 5:31 left in the third, before he made a pair of free throws a minute later to extend their lead.
Chicago extended its advantage to 103-93 at the final change.
Denver gradually clawed away the scoreboard in the fourth quarter behind a hot Murray.
Giddey helped spark Chicago’s offence with six-straight points for the visitors — a pair of free throws, a floater that was called a goaltend against Peyton Watson and a crafty layup high off the glass.
His 8-foot jumper gave Chicago the lead back at 118-117 with two minutes left.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, centre, passes the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon, left, and guard Peyton Watson defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)Source: AP
A monster Jokic 3-pointer — after being 0-of-5 prior — revived a Denver 120-118 lead, but Chicago responded with a 5-0 run.
Nikola Vucevic buried a big triple with 33.4 left that pushed the Bulls lead out to 126-122.
It would be ultimately be the game-winning play, though Vucevic very nearly let Denver back in the game after fouling Jokic on a full court pass with 1.7 left.
It gave the Nuggets superstar one final deep three to win the game, but his shot missed considerably.
The Bulls improved to 7-6 to get above .500 again and climbed from the East’s No. 11 seed into No. 8.
ELSEWHERE …
San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is reportedly facing an injury lay-off of a “few weeks” after the team confirmed the Frenchman had suffered a left calf strain.
The news came on the same day Giannis Antetokounmpo exited Milwaukee’s loss to Cleveland in two potential massive injury blows that could have key ramifications on the season.
The Spurs said in a statement the 21-year-old was injured during the team’s game against the Golden State Warriors last week.
“The San Antonio Spurs today announced that Victor Wembanyama underwent an MRI that revealed he has a left calf strain,” the Spurs said in a statement.
“The injury occurred in Friday night’s game against the Golden State Warriors. The team will provide updates as appropriate.” Although no timetable for Wembanyama’s return was given, ESPN reported that the towering centre would miss a “few weeks.” Wembanyama had been listed as questionable to play in San Antonio’s win over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday and ultimately played no part in the fixture.
Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said the team were erring on the side of caution in their handling of Wembanyama’s calf problem.
“Obviously, we’ve seen around this league recently, the calf-tightness thing is not something you want to take lightly,” Johnson said. “Don’t want to push it there.” Former No.1 Draft pick Wembanyama has made a dazzling start to the season, averaging 26.2 points and 12.9 rebounds in 12 games.
Wembanyama returned to the court after a lengthy lay-off last season caused by deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder.
-AFP
ALL RESULTS
Cavaliers 106 Cavaliers 118
Pacers 127 Pistons 127
Clippers 108 76ers 110
Knicks 113 Heat 115
Hornets 108 Raptors 110
Mavericks 96 Timberwolves 120
Thunder 126 Pelicans 109
