In a moment that will echo through the annals of NBA history, Australian sensation Josh Giddey has etched his name alongside one of basketball’s all-time greats. The 23-year-old Chicago Bulls point guard has officially tied Hall of Famer Clyde “The Glide” Drexler with 25 career triple-doubles, a feat achieved in electrifying fashion during a thrilling comeback victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Giddey’s “Legendary Glide” isn’t just a clever nod to Drexler’s iconic nickname—it’s a testament to the young Aussie’s meteoric rise, rewriting the record books and proving that Down Under talent is taking over the league.
The milestone came on Christmas Day 2025, in a high-stakes matchup at State Farm Arena, where the Bulls staged a stunning fourth-quarter rally to defeat the Hawks 126-123. Trailing for much of the game, Chicago exploded with a 34-18 final period, securing their fourth straight win and improving their form as the 2025-26 season heats up. Giddey was the architect of the comeback, posting his seventh triple-double of the season with 19 points (8-of-15 from the field, 2-of-5 from three), 11 rebounds, and 15 assists. Sure, there were seven turnovers, but who cares when you’re making history? Remarkably, Giddey reached triple-double status in just 20 minutes—the fastest in Bulls franchise history.
This wasn’t just any triple-double; it was Giddey’s 25th overall, pulling him level with Drexler on the NBA’s all-time list in 22nd place. Drexler, a Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets legend, amassed his 25 over a illustrious 16-season career that included an NBA championship in 1995. Giddey? He’s done it in less than halfway through his fifth season. The Melbourne Tigers product, drafted sixth overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2021 before landing in Chicago, is already rubbing shoulders with the elite. He’s now just one shy of Elgin Baylor (26), three behind the GOAT Michael Jordan (28), and seven away from fellow Aussie Ben Simmons (33).
But the comparisons don’t stop there. Giddey joins an exclusive club of Hall of Famers who notched 20 triple-doubles in their first five seasons: Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Grant Hill, and Jason Kidd. If history is any guide, enshrinement in Springfield could be in his future. And speaking of Jordan—Giddey’s Bulls tenure is drawing eerie parallels. He’s now three triple-doubles away from tying MJ’s single-season Bulls record of 15 from 1988-89, a mark that’s stood unchallenged for over 36 years. With one more, he’ll match Scottie Pippen for second on the Bulls’ all-time list (15), trailing only Jordan’s 28.
Giddey’s performance against the Hawks was bittersweet for Aussie fans, as it came without countryman Dyson Daniels, who sat out with a hip injury. But Down Under pride was on full display elsewhere in the league on this festive day. In Memphis, Jock Landale continued his breakout season, dropping 17 points and eight rebounds off the bench in the Grizzlies’ 134-124 road win over the Utah Jazz. The big man, fresh off being named to ESPN’s “NBA All-Value Team” for outperforming his $2.4 million minimum deal, shot 6-of-10 from the field. It’s time to buy stock in Landale—he’s hit double figures in 18 games this season.
Over in Charlotte, Josh Green extended his hot streak, draining a three-pointer for the fifth straight game as the Hornets cruised past the Washington Wizards 126-109. Returning from a shoulder injury, Green contributed three points, two rebounds, and two assists in 11 minutes, helping Charlotte look sharper than ever.
Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers and Orlando Magic were locked in a game in progress, but all eyes remain on Giddey. As the Bulls eye a playoff push, the young guard’s trajectory is skyward. He’s not just chasing records—he’s conquering summits. Clyde “The Glide” Drexler, welcome your new company. The history books? Consider them rewritten by an Aussie phenom who’s just getting started. What’s next for Giddey? Only time—and more triple-doubles—will tell.