Bulls erase 24-point deficit, stun 76ers 113-111 on Vucevic’s last-second three
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The Chicago Bulls stormed back from 24 points down to edge the Philadelphia 76ers 113-111 on Tuesday night, clinching the win on a corner three by Nikola Vucevic with 3.2 seconds remaining.
The dramatic finish capped the NBA’s largest comeback of the season and moved Chicago to 6-1, matching the franchise’s best opening stretch since the 2021-22 campaign—the club’s most recent playoff appearance.
Giddey posts second straight triple-double
Guard Josh Giddey powered the rally with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 12 assists, becoming the first Bull to register consecutive triple-doubles since Michael Jordan in 1989. Vucevic added 19 points and 10 boards, while Isaac Okoro chipped in 16 points and five assists as six Chicago players scored in double figures.
Early domination by Philadelphia
Philadelphia built a 45-27 lead after one quarter and stretched the margin to 22 in the second half. Tyrese Maxey poured in 39 points and Joel Embiid finished with 20 in 25 minutes, but the 7-footer hit only 1-of-10 shots after halftime.
Fourth-quarter surge
Chicago outscored Philadelphia 29-16 in the final period after trimming the deficit to 95-84 entering the fourth. Giddey’s layup with 1:19 left cut the gap to one, and coach Billy Donovan drew up the decisive play during a timeout. Giddey drove and kicked to Vucevic, who drained the go-ahead triple—Chicago’s first and only lead of the night.
Postgame reactions
“Tonight was one of the best wins I’ve ever been a part of,” Giddey said. Vucevic added, “It just showed the resilience we have, the belief we have, the togetherness we have.” The center also cautioned that the Bulls “have to play better from the beginning” rather than relying on late comebacks.
Chicago’s early résumé now includes victories over the Pistons, Magic, Hawks, Knicks and 76ers—each projected as an Eastern Conference playoff contender, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
The Bulls continue their road trip Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Source: Basketball Insiders
