Introduction
In a game that will live on highlight reels, Cleveland Cavaliers wing De’Andre Hunter executed a crossover so vicious on Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey that it has been dubbed an “ankle-breaker” moment. The move not only shifted momentum in the game, but raised questions about Giddey’s physical status and further elevated Hunter’s emerging offensive arsenal. In this article, we’ll break down the crossover moment, examine the injury implications for Giddey, assess Hunter’s performance and evolving game, and consider what this means going forward.
1. Setting the scene: The game and key moment
On November 8/9, 2025, the Cleveland Cavaliers hosted the Chicago Bulls in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup. Midway through the third quarter, Hunter isolated against Josh Giddey. According to multiple reports:
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Hunter pulled off a hesitation-crossover, dropping Giddey to the hardwood and proceeding to dunk.
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Giddey immediately limped off to the bench for evaluation though he returned shortly after.
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The clip went viral on social media, drawing comparisons to the all-time “ankle breaker” plays.
Hunter finished the night with a season-best 29 points (10-16 FG, 4-8 3PT, 5-7 FT), 4 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes.
That moment is arguably the highlight of the night — but there’s much more to unpack.
2. The mechanics of the crossover: Why it worked
What made the move so devastating?
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Change of pace and hesitation: Hunter used a shift in tempo, causing Giddey to commit early.
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Sharp angle & footwork: The dribble direction and foot placement forced Giddey off-balance.
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Finish with authority: After the crossover, Hunter didn’t settle for a mid-range shot – he attacked the rim and slammed home the dunk.
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Defensive lapse or misread: Giddey’s reaction suggested he was caught off guard, unable to recover his stance.
In short, Hunter showed not just athleticism but also refined his handle and his ability to create. As his coach acknowledged:
“He really worked on his game hard this summer… that part of the work he did was self-creation, trying to be able to get a little better at creating off the dribble.”
This move highlights a potential evolution in Hunter’s game: from reliable wing shooter/defender into a more multi-dimensional offensive threat.
3. The victim: Josh Giddey’s ankle and immediate impact
For Giddey, the crossover had immediate consequences:
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He landed awkwardly, limped off to the locker room for evaluation, though returned soon after.
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After the incident, reports indicate he did not score any points for the rest of the game and was visibly hampered.
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As one article put it:
“That’s legitimately one of the most disgusting ankle-breaker crossovers I’ve ever seen.”
Injury-wise, Giddey’s status remains uncertain in the short term—though there is no immediate indication of a long-term injury, the event underscores the physical toll such plays can carry, especially for a guard whose game relies on mobility and agility.
4. Hunter’s health & context: What’s his injury status?
Turning the spotlight to Hunter, what do we know about his own health and recent history?
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Earlier in the season Hunter dealt with a right knee contusion, causing him to miss the season opener and several games.
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He also missed a game due to illness (reported around Nov 5, 2025) but was available and playing when the crossover took place.
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According to injury trackers, his status is currently “cleared to play” as of late October.
Thus, Hunter seems to be healthy and performing at a high level. That the crossover and dunk came in this context is notable: not only did he deliver a highlight, he did it while healthy and in stride.
5. Why this moment matters — on multiple levels
a) For Hunter’s role and perception
This crossover is more than just a highlight—it may signal a shift in how Hunter is perceived:
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From role-wing to a creator: The self-creation element is key.
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Confidence boost: When a player shows he can break a guard down like this, it adds a psychological edge.
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Tactical implications: Opponents may now prepare differently for him—respecting his dribble/attack ability rather than just his catch-and-shoot role.
b) For Giddey and the Bulls
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Giddey’s physical resilience will now be under scrutiny: if his mobility is compromised even slightly, his effectiveness drops.
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Chicago’s margin for error gets thinner when one of their playmakers is visibly hampered.
c) For the Cavaliers and momentum
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The timing: A comeback win against a strong opponent (Bulls) with such a momentum swing play.
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The broader team narrative: Hunter stepping up and making big plays helps the Cavaliers’ depth and offensive variety.
d) For the culture of highlights & social media
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The play went viral—meaning its value goes beyond the box score. It amplifies brand, reputation and legacy.
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But with notoriety also comes scrutiny—any injury following the move will be analyzed intensely.
6. What to watch: Injury follow-up & next steps
For Giddey:
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Monitor his mobility in upcoming games. If he’s still limping or guarding hampered, his role may be adjusted.
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Review his shot attempts and defensive assignment: Has the crossover affected his confidence?
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Check the Bulls’ press/injury reports for any mention of ankle swelling or sprain.
For Hunter:
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See if he replicates this kind of play consistently—can he make off-the-dribble creation a regular weapon?
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Track his minutes and load: While he seems healthy now, any signs of knee/illness return should be noted.
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Observe how defenses adjust to him: If teams start guarding him differently, it’ll offer insight into his evolving reputation.
For both teams:
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Strategy shifts: Will the Bulls adjust their guard-wing matchups to avoid this kind of mismatch?
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Cavs’ usage: Will the Cavaliers give Hunter more isolation opportunities or exploit similar mismatches?
7. Broader context: Hunter’s career & injury history
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Hunter was drafted 4th overall in 2019 by the Atlanta Hawks, and after several years he was traded to the Cavaliers on February 6, 2025.
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He has had injury setbacks in his career, including a right meniscus surgery in 2021.
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His recent production this season before the crossover: averaging around 18–19 points per game, showing his offensive ascent.
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From the injury-tracking side, he has been relatively healthy in the immediate term, which is an encouraging sign. De’Andre Hunter.
8. Fan and media reaction
The crossover triggered immediate commentary:
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“I don’t think I’ve ever made nobody fall like that and dunk.” — Hunter
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Media outlets labelled it “one of the most disgusting ankle-breaker crossovers.”
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On social media, fans compared the moment to all-time breakers and expressed concern for Giddey’s welfare.
This shows the cultural weight such a single play can carry — beyond the statistics, into legacy and social narrative. De’Andre Hunter.
9. Implications for fantasy, betting & analysis
For those tracking fantasy or betting markets:
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Hunter’s increased upside: With this type of creation showing up, his fantasy floor may rise.
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Giddey’s health risk: If the ankle issue lingers, his reliability may dip, affecting lineups and projections.
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Matchup value: Next time Hunter faces a guard-heavy opponent he may be priced higher; conversely, when Giddey is lined up against elite wings, caution may be warranted. De’Andre Hunter.
10. Summary & final thoughts
In sum:
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De’Andre Hunter’s crossover on Josh Giddey is more than just a highlight—it’s a statement of evolution in his game.
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The move worked technically, had immediate impact in the game, and signalled a shift in perception of Hunter.
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For Giddey, the play is a moment of concern; monitoring his recovery and effectiveness is key.
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Injury-wise, Hunter appears in good shape; Giddey’s ankle status is clouded but seems to be managed.
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The ripple effects span media, social platforms, fantasy/betting markets and team strategy.
If you’re a fan of NBA tactics, highlight plays or player-development stories, this moment offers all three – and an intriguing narrative as the season progresses. De’Andre Hunter.
FAQs
Q1: Did De’Andre Hunter injure Josh Giddey’s ankle?
A: According to multiple reports, Hunter’s crossover caused Giddey to land awkwardly and limp off the court for evaluation. While it’s termed an “ankle breaker,” there has been no confirmed diagnosis (as of now) of a major injury like a fracture.
Q2: What is De’Andre Hunter’s current injury status?
A: Hunter recently dealt with a knee contusion and an illness, but as of the crossover game he was healthy and in the lineup. Some tracking tools list him as “cleared to play.”
Q3: How did Hunter perform in the game where the crossover happened?
A: He scored 29 points on 10-16 shooting, grabbed 4 rebounds, dished 2 assists and blocked 1 shot in about 30 minutes.
Q4: Has Josh Giddey’s performance been impacted after the crossover?
A: He visibly limped and did not score for the remainder of that game. The longer-term impact remains to be seen.
Q5: Does this crossover change how teams should guard Hunter?
A: Likely yes. Previously Hunter was perhaps primarily respected for his shooting and wing defense. This display of dribble-creation and finishing suggests teams may need to assign more attention to his isolation threat, use help defense differently, and possibly adjust matchups accordingly.
