In tonight’s matchup with the Brooklyn Nets, the Chicago Bulls posted their ninth win in 22 games this season. There are plenty of storylines to be drawn from a performance where they led most of the game, had their first respectable defensive performance in a long time, and snapped a two-game losing streak where they allowed over 135 points per game during that slump. Perhaps the biggest news from the United Center tonight was the play of their 11th overall pick from this year’s draft and his impressive output in every facet. In those patented neon shoes that he’s worn nearly every game, Matas Buzelis put up his best stat line of the year, and his decision-making, aggressiveness, and shot-making ability were the best he’s shown. How did his numbers end up, and what does the future look like for Chicago’s rookie?
Buzelis looked sharp early and often in tonight’s outing. Putting up 13 in the first half on efficient shooting and seven more in the third, he’d already broken his previous career-best of 14 through three quarters on fewer shot attempts. He ended with 20 points on 7-of-10 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point land in 22 minutes of action, including a +17 plus/minus. The keys to his scoring were the fast-break activity, the efficient three-point shooting, and the aggressiveness driving to the hoop. He would’ve added even more but exited the game with 8:26 remaining and never returned as the score was well out of hand.
No. 11 pick Matas Buzelis drains his 4th 3 ????
He has a career-high 20 PTS on NBA League Pass!
???? https://t.co/HeN91C42ng pic.twitter.com/LIbuqpDite
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2024
In four of the Bulls’ last five games, Buzelis has been granted 17 or more minutes. He saw more than 20 minutes of playing time in three of those and made a three-point field goal in all four. The consistent problem? Foul trouble. The rookie averaged nearly four personal fouls during that four-game stretch, including his first career foul-out, which had six fouls. In tonight’s action, he only had two fouls, which led to better defense and head coach Billy Donovan being able to deploy him for longer and more frequent stretches to reward his explosive offensive output.
No mechanical issues ✅
Consistent, efficient form ✅
Great Arc ✅
No longer consistently missing short ✅
I never doubted Matas Buzelis’ perimeter shooting, even if the numbers said otherwise when he played for the Ignite
He’s showing why today pic.twitter.com/JlU2X7fwua
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) December 3, 2024
Before the 2023-24 season, many mock drafts had Buzelis at the number one overall slot, and tonight showed precisely why. A pure shooting stroke, an aggressive downhill threat, a fast and lengthy transition weapon, and a capable defender. When it is put all together, he shows flashes of a potential franchise cornerstone and future All-Star in the league. For now, continuing to stack solid performances is the priority, and he is earning himself more time on the floor.
The entire league will soon be introduced to Chicago’s 20-year-old scoring weapon.
