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Because games are played practically every night, a player or team takes center stage in front of the NBA world. On Thursday, that was Josh Giddey. Down one point to the Los Angeles Lakers with three seconds left, the 22-year-old calmly dribbled the ball up and swished in a halfcourt game-winner.
Giddey was so confident in his attempt that he held his follow-through. The Chicago Bulls served the upset in the NBA's best game-winner of the season yet. Since the All-Star break, his decision to request a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to return to a primary ball-handler role has paid off — literally and figuratively.
In the final year of his rookie contract, expect Giddey to get handsomely paid in the offseason. The Bulls have found a franchise cornerstone as they hit the reset button. Even though it didn't work out in OKC, several former teammates celebrated Giddey's moment in the sun.
Jalen Williams was one of them. After the Thunder collected a franchise-record 61st win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the All-Star spoke highly of his former teammate and the bond they created in their two seasons together. He texted him to congratulate him on the buzzer-beater. He's also excited to match up against him as the Bulls are in town on Monday.
"I saw it, which was super dope. He is playing extremely well. Any time one of our brothers leaves and plays super well you guys know we support them. I am super happy for him that he is figuring it out, he is back to what he usually does. Very cool moment, very rare thing too," Williams said. "I am excited (to play against him). It is always fun playing against (former teammates)... It is always good to see familiar faces. You don't know when the next time you will see somebody. You try not to take those times for granted."
With the first locked up, the Thunder have little to play for in their final nine regular season games. But one game they likely have circled on their calendar is their date against the Bulls. Especially with Giddey playing at a near All-Star level, both sides will hope to gain bragging rights over the other.
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Jalen Williams talks Josh Giddey's game-winner, upcoming Bulls game
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