‘First since MJ’: Aussie star Josh Giddey joins Chicago Bulls legend
Australian NBA star Josh Giddey is enjoying some rare air as his stunning season continues with a feat unmatched since the lofty heights of Michael Jordan’s best days playing for the Bulls
READING LEVEL: GREEN
It appears Josh Giddey cannot be stopped, with the Aussie writing his name into the NBA record books with his latest display.
The Chicago Bulls guard has been on an mighty streak to start the 2025/26 season and it continued on Wednesday (AEDT) against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 23-year-old registered his second-straight triple double as he finished the contest with a team high 29-points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists*.
He carried the team on his back, hauling them from 24 points down to stun the Sixers and secure the 113-111 victory to move to 6-1.
His memorable outing saw him become the first Chicago player to record back-to-back triple-doubles since the legendary Michael Jordan achieved the feat in the 1988-89 season. He also passed Scottie Pippen (6) for second most 20-point triple-doubles in Bulls franchise* history.
The stunning come-from-behind victory was the biggest for the Bulls since 2021 and it was Giddey who delivered on the game-winning play.
With 14 seconds left on the clock, the Aussie got the ball just inside half-court before driving past Kelly Oubre, then dishing a perfect pass to a wide open Nikola Vucevic in the corner.
The Bulls big man made no mistake as he nailed the crucial three pointer to put the Bulls ahead by two points with 3.2 seconds left on the clock.
The Sixers had one final attempt to win the contest, but Quentin Grimes’ three-point attempt was off the mark.
The Bulls sit clear on top of the Eastern Conference* standings, with Giddey delivering eye-popping numbers through the opening seven games.
Giddey is currently averaging just shy of a triple-double to start the season with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 9.1 assists per game.
His latest jaw-dropping effort continues what has been a stunning start to the season, coming after he put pen to paper on a four-year, $US100 million ($154 million AUD) contract extension.
The Bulls will return to the hardwood on Saturday when they kick off a two-game away trip starting with a contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.
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GLOSSARY
- rebounds: number of times a player has caught the ball after it has bounced back after an unsuccessful basket attempt
- assists: passes to teammates that lead directly to points scored with a field goal
- franchise: one team in a group of teams that takes part in an organised competition
- Eastern Conference: the NBA is divided into two team groups based on location, one from the eastern states and the other western
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QUICK QUIZ
- When was the last time a Chicago player to record back-to-back triple-doubles and who was the player?
- What are Giddey’s current averages for the season so far?
- Who were the Chicago Bulls playing and what was the final score?
- What is Giddey’s newly signed contract worth over four years?
- Who do the Chicago Bulls play next?
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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. No words!
Create a set of definitions of all of the basketball terms that you can find in the story. Your audience is people who don’t know anything about basketball. You are not allowed to use words.
Time: allow at least 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Visual Communication Design
2. Extension
How do you think basketball teams in the USA can afford to pay stars like Josh so much money? Brainstorm all the different ways that you think that the franchises, or teams, earn money.
Time: allow at least 15 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links English, Economics and Business Studies, Health and Physical Education
VCOP ACTIVITY
My sporting hero
Write a letter to one of your favourite athletes. Explain to them how proud you are of them, why they are a hero to you, and that you have noticed them. Your letter can be anonymous or you can personally sign it off.
Remember when writing a letter:
Start with a greeting: Dear Sir,
Then on a new line, write the body of the letter.
Finish with a closing: Kind regards,
And finally, sign the letter.
Try to include detail and emotion in the letter to connect with your target audience: your sporting hero.