Matas Buzelis shines bright, fuels Chicago Bulls’ winning streak aspirations
After the Chicago Bulls secured their second consecutive victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, a pivotal question emerged: Is Matas Buzelis’ standout performance a glimpse into the future for the Bulls? The answer appears to be a resounding yes. As the team heads to Atlanta, aiming for their first three-game winning streak since their impressive 5-0 start to the season, Buzelis was determined to make an impact.
His night kicked off with a splashy three-pointer from the corner, setting the tone for what would become a remarkable performance. Following that, he powered through Onyeka Okongwu, showcasing his strength and finesse on the court. At that moment, few could have predicted that this 2-2 start would lead to one of the most memorable nights of Buzelis’ young career.
When the final buzzer echoed through the arena, Buzelis had transformed the game with an astonishing 28 points on 10-of-11 shooting. This not only marked a season-high for the 21-year-old forward but also established a career-best in three-point shooting. Buzelis drained 7-of-8 attempts from beyond the arc, hitting a three-pointer in every quarter. His clutch shooting included two pivotal makes in a closely fought final frame, the first of which reclaimed the lead for Chicago, while the second pushed their advantage to 136-129 with just over four minutes remaining.
These back-to-back performances signal a vital turnaround for Buzelis after a brief sophomore slump. In the past 12 games, he had struggled to reach double digits in scoring on seven occasions, with head coach Billy Donovan limiting his playing time to under 25 minutes in several contests. During that stretch, Buzelis’ role within the Bulls’ offense seemed increasingly ambiguous, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his trajectory.
However, the last two games have showcased a different Buzelis, one who has emerged with newfound confidence. While he isn’t forcing plays, he has approached the game with a sense of urgency, both on and off the ball. His hustle and shot selection have improved significantly, and Sunday night’s three-point shooting was particularly noteworthy.
Buzelis’ ability to establish himself as a consistent long-range threat was one of the key questions surrounding him leading up to the draft. While one game isn’t enough to dub him a lights-out shooter, a performance where he nails seven three-pointers certainly indicates that the potential is there.
This stretch of play serves as a reminder of Buzelis’ tantalizing upside. Every game at this stage of his career is crucial, providing a front-row seat to his development as a player. While bumps in the road are inevitable, they are an essential part of the learning process. Observing how Buzelis overcomes adversity and grows from these experiences is precisely what fans should be excited about. His recent performances illustrate just that—a player who is not just surviving but thriving in the face of challenges.
