- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Matas Buzelis Shines in Rising Stars Game Without Fanfare
The Chicago Bulls' young star focused on team impact over individual showcase in tough season.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls' rising second-year forward, made a quiet but effective impact in the Rising Stars Game during NBA All-Star weekend. Despite declining to participate in the dunk contest, Buzelis contributed six points in the semifinal and four more in the final as his Team Vince defeated Team Melo 25-24. Though V.J. Edgecombe of the 76ers earned MVP honors, Buzelis' steady presence was noteworthy amidst the Bulls' struggles this season.
Why it matters
Buzelis' performance in the Rising Stars Game showcases his maturity and team-first approach, prioritizing consistent contributions over flashy individual plays. This comes as the Bulls navigate a challenging season marked by roster turnover and a six-game losing streak, underscoring Buzelis' value as a stabilizing force for the franchise's future.
The details
In his third consecutive Rising Stars selection, the 20-year-old Buzelis scored six points in the semifinal and four more in the final as his Team Vince defeated Team Melo 25-24. This marked a conscious decision by Buzelis to focus on the team event rather than participate in the dunk contest, where he exited in the first round last season. Buzelis is currently averaging 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game for the Bulls, who have lost nine of their last ten games and sit at 24-31 in the standings.
- The Rising Stars Game took place on Friday, February 14, 2026.
- The NBA All-Star Game is scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2026.
- The Bulls' first game after the All-Star break is on Thursday, February 19, 2026, against the Toronto Raptors.
The players
Matas Buzelis
A 20-year-old forward for the Chicago Bulls, currently in his second full season with the team.
V.J. Edgecombe
A player for the Philadelphia 76ers who was named MVP of the Rising Stars Game.
Vince Carter
A former NBA star who served as the head coach for Team Vince in the Rising Stars Game.
Carmelo Anthony
A former NBA star who served as the head coach for Team Melo in the Rising Stars Game.
Coby White
A former Bulls player who played a vital role in Buzelis' rookie development but is no longer with the team.
Ayo Dosunmu
A former Bulls player who played a vital role in Buzelis' rookie development but is no longer with the team.
Nikola Vucevic
A former Bulls player who played a vital role in Buzelis' rookie development but is no longer with the team.
What’s next
How Buzelis and the Bulls respond post-All-Star break remains a critical question for both fans and analysts alike.
The takeaway
Buzelis' performance in the Rising Stars Game demonstrates his maturity and team-first approach, prioritizing consistent contributions over individual showcases. This comes at a crucial time for the struggling Bulls, underscoring Buzelis' value as a stabilizing force for the franchise's future.
