Australian basketball star Josh Giddey has suffered an untimely hamstring injury during the Chicago Bulls' heavy home defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The guard was forced to leave the court and did not return, casting a shadow over his outstanding individual season.
Giddey's Night Cut Short in Chicago
The incident occurred in the opening minute of the third quarter at the United Centre. After dribbling down the court and throwing a pass, Giddey immediately clutched at his left hamstring. The Bulls later confirmed the 23-year-old would take no further part in the match, which Chicago eventually lost 136-101.
Prior to his exit, Giddey had contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and three assists. His injury compounded a miserable night for the Bulls, who also lost guard Coby White to a calf complaint in the first quarter.
A Season of Stellar Form Interrupted
The setback is particularly frustrating given Giddey's phenomenal form this NBA season. He has been averaging 19.5 points, 9.2 assists, and 9.1 rebounds, numbers that had placed him firmly in All-Star consideration.
Giddey ranks second in the entire league for triple-doubles this season with seven. Just last week, he set a new Chicago Bulls franchise record by recording the fastest triple-double in team history, achieving the feat in just 20 minutes and two seconds against the Atlanta Hawks.
His performances have validated the confidence shown in him by the Bulls' management, who recently signed him to a major $US100 million, four-year contract extension. Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze recently told AAP that Giddey was "playing, relative to other players, well above the value that he's got" and described him as "a walking triple-double."
Injury Woes Extend to League MVP
It was a similarly concerning night for another of the NBA's biggest stars, Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP limped off the court in Miami after appearing to hurt his left knee just before halftime. His potential absence would be a massive blow to the Nuggets, who went on to lose 147-123 to the Heat.
Jokic entered the game averaging a near triple-double himself, with 29.9 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 11.1 assists, keeping him in the early conversation for a fourth MVP award. The status of both Giddey and Jokic will now be closely monitored by their respective teams and fans worldwide.
