Bulls forward Matas Buzelis sets franchise record
In a league increasingly defined by high-volume scoring, offensive efficiency is the trait that often separates promising young talent from true impact players. On Sunday night in Atlanta, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis etched his name into the franchise record books with a shooting display that bordered on perfection. During a frantic 152-150 victory over the Hawks, the second-year wing delivered the most efficient 25-point performance in the storied history of the Bulls organization.
Buzelis finished the night with 28 points on a staggering 10-of-11 shooting from the field, including a blistering 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. While the sheer point total was impressive, it was the economy of his offense that truly stood out. By missing just one shot all evening, Buzelis surpassed previous efficiency marks set by franchise legends, showcasing a level of shot-making maturity rarely seen in a 21-year-old. His offensive explosion was critical in a game where defense was optional, providing the necessary firepower to outlast an equally hot-shooting Hawks squad.
This historic outing wasn't an isolated incident but rather the peak of a breakout stretch for the 2024 No. 11 overall pick. Coming off a 24-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Buzelis has now strung together back-to-back 20-point games for the first time in his career. After a rookie campaign defined by flashes of raw potential and inconsistent minutes, Buzelis has solidified himself as a staple in head coach Billy Donovan’s rotation, averaging over 28 minutes per game in his sophomore season. His ability to space the floor while contributing defensively—he added two blocks in the win—has significantly opened up the Bulls' offense.
The victory pushed the Bulls to 13-15, keeping them firmly in the mix for the Eastern Conference play-in race. For a team that has spent years searching for a dynamic wing to complement their core, Buzelis’ rapid development is a revelation. If Sunday’s record-setting efficiency is any indication, Chicago may have found a legitimate cornerstone who can impact winning without demanding the ball on every possession. As the Bulls prepare for a rematch with Atlanta on Tuesday, all eyes will be on whether Buzelis can maintain this scorching hot hand.
Buzelis finished the night with 28 points on a staggering 10-of-11 shooting from the field, including a blistering 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. While the sheer point total was impressive, it was the economy of his offense that truly stood out. By missing just one shot all evening, Buzelis surpassed previous efficiency marks set by franchise legends, showcasing a level of shot-making maturity rarely seen in a 21-year-old. His offensive explosion was critical in a game where defense was optional, providing the necessary firepower to outlast an equally hot-shooting Hawks squad.
This historic outing wasn't an isolated incident but rather the peak of a breakout stretch for the 2024 No. 11 overall pick. Coming off a 24-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, Buzelis has now strung together back-to-back 20-point games for the first time in his career. After a rookie campaign defined by flashes of raw potential and inconsistent minutes, Buzelis has solidified himself as a staple in head coach Billy Donovan’s rotation, averaging over 28 minutes per game in his sophomore season. His ability to space the floor while contributing defensively—he added two blocks in the win—has significantly opened up the Bulls' offense.
The victory pushed the Bulls to 13-15, keeping them firmly in the mix for the Eastern Conference play-in race. For a team that has spent years searching for a dynamic wing to complement their core, Buzelis’ rapid development is a revelation. If Sunday’s record-setting efficiency is any indication, Chicago may have found a legitimate cornerstone who can impact winning without demanding the ball on every possession. As the Bulls prepare for a rematch with Atlanta on Tuesday, all eyes will be on whether Buzelis can maintain this scorching hot hand.
