Matas Buzelis Shines in Bulls’ Dominant Win Over Raptors, Offering Glimpse of Future Potential

The Chicago Bulls may have caught a glimpse of their future Friday night, as rookie Matas Buzelis put on a show in a 122-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Early in the fourth quarter, Buzelis showcased his immense potential with a dazzling play.

Receiving a short pass from Jalen Smith, Buzelis smoothly crossed over Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl, finishing with a graceful left-handed layup that extended the Bulls’ lead to 14 points.

Though the win itself was important, it was Buzelis’ performance that stole the spotlight. Coming off the bench in the third quarter, Buzelis sparked a shift in momentum, scoring seven points and playing a pivotal role in the Bulls’ dominant 50-32 bench scoring advantage.

His energy and intensity helped break open what had been a close game, with the Bulls taking an 88-74 lead into the fourth quarter. Toronto never got within 10 points again.

Buzelis finished the game with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, continuing to show why he could be a key part of the Bulls’ future. Despite being a 20-year-old rookie, Buzelis’ fearlessness and competitive drive have impressed coaches and teammates alike.

His length and defensive potential—leading the team in blocks despite limited minutes—add another layer to his already solid offensive game.

“I’m just a hooper,” Buzelis said after the game. “Every time I play, I give it my all and play my game. My confidence level is good right now, and I’m going to stay humble.”

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan praised Buzelis’ development, noting his improvement in playing with urgency and focus on defense. “He’s done a much better job as he’s continued to learn,” Donovan said, highlighting Buzelis’ key block late in the third quarter as an example of his defensive growth.

Alongside Buzelis, Coby White had an impressive night, scoring a game-high 25 points, including five made three-pointers. The Bulls shot 18-of-40 from beyond the arc, outshooting the Raptors, who went 10-of-30 from deep. Nikola Vučević contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds, further solidifying his veteran leadership, while Jalen Smith added 17 points to the team’s overall effort.

The victory brought the Bulls’ record to 21-28, while the Raptors, who had won five straight, dropped to 15-33.

Another encouraging sign for the Bulls was the play of Patrick Williams, who had 11 points and nine rebounds. Williams, who has come off the bench for the past three games, continues to play with renewed energy. Donovan commended Williams for his unselfishness and aggressive play on both ends of the floor.

“Being able to say, ‘If this is what’s best for the team right now, let’s see how it goes,’ he’s done the opposite of pouting,” Donovan said. “He’s come in and played better.”

The win over the Raptors was a collective team effort, but it was the play of Buzelis that left the strongest impression. His performance could mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Bulls, one where young talent and enthusiasm take center stage.

With Buzelis continuing to develop and show flashes of brilliance, the Bulls may have found a player to build around for the future.