Josh Giddey Stats Tonight: How did Bulls star fare against Miami Heat? (Apr. 16)

Josh Giddey Stats Tonight: How did Bulls star fare against Miami Heat? (Apr. 16) | 2025 Play-In Tournament

Modified Apr 17, 2025 07:29 GMT

NBA: Play-In-Miami Heat at Chicago Bulls - Source: Imagn — Josh Giddey stats against the Miami Heat on April 16. [photo: Imagn]

Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls hosted the Miami Heat on Wednesday in a win-or-go-home showdown. The Bulls, which went 3-0 against the Heat in the regular season, were looking to dominate a familiar opponent and earn the right to meet the Atlanta Hawks in another winner-take-all encounter.

Giddey was all over the floor in the first quarter. The Australian opened the game with a block against Andrew Wiggins before scoring a floater. Giddey finished the period with 13 points, three rebounds and one assist.

Although Giddey played well, the Chicago Bulls' defense could not stop the Heat onslaught. Miami led 39-28 after one quarter behind a sizzling 6-for-9 clip from deep.

Expand Tweet

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

The Miami Heat defense shut down Giddey in the second quarter, forcing him to miss the only two shots he attempted. Miami dominated the quarter 32-19 and pushed its lead to 71-47 at halftime.

Player	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	TO	FG	3-PT FG	FT	+/-
Josh Giddey	25	10	4	0	1	3	9-21	2-7	5-6	-13

Josh Giddey fueled the Bulls' best stretch in the third quarter. The point guard had seven points, two rebounds and one assist to help his team edge Miami 27-17. Chicago cut the deficit to 88-74 with a quarter left to play.

Chicago's versatile guard opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer. He did not make another basket until 2:39 left when the Miami Heat had already built an insurmountable 105-86 lead. Bulls coach Billy Donovan removed him a few plays later to signal their surrender.

Expand Tweet

The Miami Heat limited Josh Giddey's effectiveness by clogging the paint

A big reason the OKC Thunder let Josh Giddey go was his inconsistent outside shot. The Chicago Bulls acquired Giddey because he had more to offer despite his inefficient shooting behind the arc. This season, Giddy improved his marksmanship from long range, hitting 37.8% after averaging 31.0% in Oklahoma.

The Miami Heat tested Giddey by staying off him and daring him to shoot. They also stayed on players who usually benefit from his inside forays. The strategy was a resounding success as the Heat controlled the game from start to finish.

Josh Giddey went 9-for-21, including 2-for-7 from deep, and finished with four assists, his lowest tally this month.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

Know More

Chicago Bulls Fan? Check out the latest Chicago Bulls depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Edited by Michael Macasero