Josh Giddey Notches Sixth Triple-double As Bulls Topple Cavaliers 127-111

Josh Giddey and Jaren Jackson Jr. drove statement wins in the NBA, as the Chicago Bulls overpowered the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-111 and the Memphis Grizzlies closed out a 116-110 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in a night shaped by efficient shooting and strong interior play.

Giddey produced his sixth triple-double of the season for Chicago, finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists, and matching a career best with five made 3-pointers. Coby White topped the Bulls with 25 points, while Nikola Vucevic added 20 points and nine rebounds in the first leg of a home-and-home series.

The Bulls shot 56.2% from the field and converted 14 of 36 attempts from long range, reversing recent struggles after losing eight of their previous nine

games. Chicago moved 15 points ahead during the third quarter, then answered a Cleveland surge with a strong fourth-quarter run, earning a rare success after dropping 12 of their last 13 meetings against the Cavaliers.

Giddey's SIXTH triple-double of the year Vote Josh https://t.co/FIqGfhqhk6 pic.twitter.com/Vj32eZD4Jn Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 18, 2025

Cleveland relied heavily on Donovan Mitchell, who scored 32 points, but the Cavaliers slipped to a seventh defeat in their last 10 games. The performance added to growing concerns for a group viewed as an Eastern Conference contender, especially as Cleveland did not record a 13th loss last season until 19 March.

In Memphis, Jackson led a balanced Grizzlies effort with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Jock Landale contributed 20 points and 10 boards as the team extended a strong run, with four wins in five games and seven in their last nine. Jaylen Wells added 17 points, Cedric Coward 13 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 12.

The Timberwolves, who have now lost only twice in nine games, were paced by Julius Randle with 21 points. Donte DiVincenzo recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Rudy Gobert delivered 16 points along with 16 rebounds. Minnesota missed leading scorer Anthony Edwards for a third straight game because of a right foot injury.

Both sides were without their main offensive options, as Ja Morant sat out for Memphis due to a left ankle sprain suffered during Monday’s 121-103 win over the Clippers, when Jackson posted a season-high 31 points. With the Grizzlies up 106-103 late, Landale hit his career-high fourth 3-pointer, and after a Minnesota miss, Jackson added a floater with 47 seconds remaining to secure the result.

onster night from @jarenjacksonjr Vote Trip & for #NBAAllStar 🔗 https://t.co/VlUTpOenD7 pic.twitter.com/T0suFoHIkU Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) December 18, 2025

The standout numbers from both games underline how shooting efficiency and depth shifted momentum.

Game	Team	Key Performers	Score
Bulls vs Cavaliers	Chicago Bulls	Josh Giddey 23-11-11, Coby White 25 pts, Nikola Vucevic 20 pts, 9 reb	127
Bulls vs Cavaliers	Cleveland Cavaliers	Donovan Mitchell 32 pts	111
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves	Memphis Grizzlies	Jaren Jackson Jr. 28 pts, 12 reb; Jock Landale 20 pts, 10 reb	116
Grizzlies vs Timberwolves	Minnesota Timberwolves	Julius Randle 21 pts; Donte DiVincenzo 19 pts, 11 reb; Rudy Gobert 16 pts, 16 reb	110

The results strengthened Memphis’ recent surge and gave Chicago a rare positive outcome against Cleveland, achieved through accurate perimeter shooting and strong contributions across the rotation, while questions increased around the Cavaliers’ form and the Timberwolves adjusted again without Anthony Edwards.