JOSH GIDDEY MAKES HISTORY WITH CAREER-HIGH 19 ASSISTS IN LOSS TO CAVALIERS

🚨BREAKING NEWS: Despite a tough stretch for the Chicago Bulls, Josh Giddey is continuing to build on his reputation as one of the league’s top playmakers. In a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Giddey reached a new career milestone with 19 assists, a performance that further solidifies why the Bulls have committed to building their future around him.

While Giddey’s scoring struggles have been noticeable, as he was limited to just 9 points in each of the two games against the Raptors and Cavaliers, his playmaking skills were on full display. With a relentless focus on facilitating for his teammates, Giddey delivered his best passing performance yet, setting a new career-high for assists.

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A New Career-High and a Historic Milestone for Giddey

In the game against the Cavaliers, Josh Giddey recorded an astounding 12 assists in the first half alone, setting the stage for a career-high 19 assists by the time the game ended. This performance comes just over a week after Giddey set a previous career-high of 17 assists during an overtime win over the Golden State Warriors.

For Giddey, it’s clear that his ability to facilitate is becoming a defining feature of his game. Despite struggles in the scoring department, he has consistently managed to set up his teammates for success, making the Bulls’ offense run more smoothly and giving the team opportunities in the face of tough defenses.

Giddey Joins Elite Company in Bulls History

With 19 assists, Giddey now becomes just the fourth player in Chicago Bulls history to reach this impressive mark. The only other players to accomplish this feat are Ennis Whatley, Guy Rodgers, and Clem Haskins. The last time a Bull reached 19 assists was during the 1983-84 season when Ennis Whatley achieved the milestone.

Giddey’s performance was not just a personal accomplishment; it placed him in some rare company. His 19 assists are now tied for the 7th-highest in franchise history, and only a few more dishes away from breaking into the top five. To put it into perspective, Guy Rodgers holds the franchise record with 24 assists in a game, a mark Giddey will likely be gunning for in the future.

The Road to Bulls Franchise History: What Giddey is Chasing

Here’s a look at the notable assists milestones in Bulls history and where Giddey stands:

• Guy Rodgers – 24 assists (12/21/66)
• Ennis Whatley – 22 assists (3/3/84)
• Ennis Whatley – 22 assists (1/14/84)
• Clem Haskins – 21 assists (12/6/69)
• Guy Rodgers – 21 assists (10/18/66)
• Ennis Whatley – 21 assists (2/23/85)
• Josh Giddey – 19 assists (3/19/26)
• Clem Haskins – 19 assists (11/15/69)

With Giddey’s 19 assists on the books, he’s now just a handful of dimes away from joining the likes of Ennis Whatley and Clem Haskins at the top of the franchise list. While he still has a ways to go to catch Guy Rodgers’ 24-assist record, Giddey is well on his way to etching his name further into the history books.

League-Wide Recognition: Giddey Joins an Exclusive Club

Looking at things from a league-wide perspective, Giddey’s performance puts him in rare company. He is now part of a group of 101 players in NBA history who have recorded 19 assists or more in a game.

In the 2025-26 season alone, he joins Isaiah Collier as the only two players to reach this impressive feat. The record for most games with 19 or more assists is held by John Stockton, who accomplished this an incredible 60 times in his legendary career.

While Giddey’s 19-assist performance may seem minor compared to Stockton’s staggering numbers, it’s important to recognize the significance of this achievement for a 23-year-old player just beginning to find his stride as a facilitator.

What This Performance Means for the Bulls

Though the Chicago Bulls lost the game against the Cavaliers, Giddey’s 19 assists are a testament to the future of the franchise. The Bulls’ current struggles are undeniable, but performances like this prove that Giddey has the potential to be a cornerstone of the team’s rebuilding efforts.

Even though his scoring hasn’t been as impactful as it could be, his elite playmaking ability is a rare asset for the Bulls, and it’s clear that they are betting on his vision and leadership to guide the team moving forward. With the right pieces around him, Giddey could evolve into one of the top point guards in the league.

The fact that he can step up in games where others may falter speaks to his maturity and ability to impact the game in multiple ways. If he can continue to develop his scoring and improve his overall game, Giddey could become the superstar the Bulls have been searching for.

Conclusion: Giddey’s Growth Represents Hope for the Bulls

Josh Giddey’s 19-assist performance is a bright spot in what has otherwise been a difficult season for the Chicago Bulls. While the team struggles to find consistency, Giddey’s playmaking ability offers a glimmer of hope for the future. As the 23-year-old guard continues to evolve, it’s clear that the Bulls’ front office made the right decision in building around him.

Though the franchise is in the midst of a rough stretch, Giddey’s development shows that the team has a foundational piece to work with. The Bulls now need to surround him with the right talent to build a competitive roster, but for now, Giddey’s emergence is a step in the right direction.

Stay tuned to ESPN for more updates on Josh Giddey’s journey as he continues to redefine what’s possible for the Bulls.