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UNTHINKABLE: Josh Giddey “Wipes Out” Legendary Record of Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Despite the Chicago Bulls’ Heavy Defeat.

Posted on November 18, 2025 - 1:02 am by

In a season full of surprises, Josh Giddey has emerged as the Chicago Bulls’ shining star, rewriting narratives and challenging the legacies of basketball icons. On Sunday, in a heart-wrenching double-overtime loss to the Utah Jazz (150-147), the 23-year-old Australian phenom achieved the unthinkable: he notched his 21st career triple-double, tying the all-time marks set by Lakers legends Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. While the defeat stung, Giddey’s performance not only kept the Bulls competitive but also etched his name alongside two of the greatest players in NBA history, effectively “wiping out” the exclusivity of their record by matching it at such a young age.

Giddey’s breakthrough with the Bulls has been nothing short of spectacular. Acquired in a offseason trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the versatile guard has shouldered the load as Chicago’s primary playmaker and scorer. Through the first 12 games of the 2025-26 season, he’s averaging a career-high 21.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game—numbers that have propelled the Bulls to a respectable 6-6 record. His efficiency is equally impressive: shooting 45.6% from the field and 37.0% from beyond the arc, Giddey has proven he’s more than just a facilitator; he’s a complete offensive threat.

Against the Jazz, Giddey delivered a masterclass, posting 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in a game that showcased his all-around dominance. Despite the Bulls’ valiant effort, Utah’s duo of Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George exploded for a combined 80 points, overwhelming Chicago’s defense in the clutch moments. The loss dropped the Bulls to .500, but Giddey’s triple-double milestone stole the headlines, placing him in elite company. With 21 triple-doubles, he now matches Bryant and Abdul-Jabbar, two players whose careers spanned decades and included countless accolades, including multiple MVP awards and championships.

What makes this feat even more remarkable is Giddey’s youth and rapid ascent. At just 23, he’s already one of only three Bulls players to reach double-digit triple-doubles in franchise history, joining Bulls legends Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. Jordan, the GOAT himself, amassed 28 triple-doubles during his time in Chicago, while Pippen tallied 17. Giddey’s pace suggests he could surpass them soon, especially given his role as the team’s engine. He’s leading all guards in rebounds (ahead of even Luka Doncic’s 8.9 per game) and ranks fourth in assists league-wide, trailing only Nikola Jokic (10.9), LaMelo Ball (9.9), and Cade Cunningham (9.9).

Post-game, Giddey was candid about the Bulls’ shortcomings, pinpointing their defensive lapses as a key issue. “It’s been an issue for us where the main guys have gone off in the fourth quarters and taken over games,” he told reporters. “We can’t leave that responsibility to one person. Every team goes to their best guys down the stretch, and they were no different tonight. They played through George and Lauri in the fourth quarter and overtime. They made tough shots; it wasn’t like they were making uncontested catch-and-shoot shots, but we can’t leave guys on an island to defend these players because they’re too big and too good.”

Giddey’s comments highlight a broader challenge for the Bulls: while their offense is firing on all cylinders thanks to his leadership, their defense has struggled to contain star opponents. Losses like the one to Utah underscore the need for collective effort, especially as the team navigates the mid-season NBA Cup and pushes for playoff contention. Yet, amid the frustration, Giddey’s individual brilliance offers hope. His all-around game has been one of the league’s biggest surprises, earning him buzz as a potential first-time All-Star in February.

As the Bulls look to rebound from this heavy defeat, Giddey’s record-tying performance serves as a reminder of his potential to redefine the franchise. Tying Kobe and Kareem isn’t just a statistic—it’s a statement. In an era dominated by superstars, Giddey is proving he belongs among them, one triple-double at a time. If he continues at this clip, those legendary records won’t just be tied; they’ll be shattered. For now, though, the unthinkable has happened: a young Bull has matched the Mamba and the Captain, even in defeat.