Buzelis scores career-high 41 points in Bulls' OT win over Warriors

Tre Jones adds 22 points as Chicago rallies to beat undermanned Golden State

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Matas Buzelis scored a career-high 41 points, including a key 3-pointer in overtime, and Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 130-124 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Jalen Smith sent the game to overtime with two free throws in the final seconds of regulation, and Tre Jones chipped in 22 points for the Bulls, who bounced back from a tough loss at Sacramento. The Warriors, playing without Stephen Curry and several other key players, got 17 points apiece from Kristaps Porzingis, Gui Santos, and LJ Cryer, but couldn't hold on for the win.

Why it matters

This game featured a matchup between two of the NBA's top teams, with the Bulls looking to rebound from a recent defeat and the Warriors trying to give coach Steve Kerr his 600th career win. The outcome could have implications for the playoff race in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

The details

Buzelis' career night included a clutch 3-pointer in overtime that helped the Bulls pull away. Giddey's triple-double of 21 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds was also a key factor in the win. The Warriors were shorthanded, missing Curry, Seth Curry, De'Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post, but still got strong performances from Porzingis, Santos, and Cryer.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • Jalen Smith hit the game-tying free throws with 1.4 seconds left in regulation to send the game to overtime.

The players

Matas Buzelis

A 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Bulls who scored a career-high 41 points in the game, including a key 3-pointer in overtime.

Josh Giddey

A 24-year-old guard for the Chicago Bulls who recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds.

Kristaps Porzingis

A 30-year-old center for the Golden State Warriors who scored 17 points and blocked 4 shots in the game.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors who was seeking his 600th career win.

Stephen Curry

The star point guard for the Golden State Warriors who missed his 15th straight game due to a lingering right knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game showcased the depth and talent of the Chicago Bulls, who were able to overcome a shorthanded Golden State Warriors team and get a key road win. Buzelis' career night and Giddey's all-around performance were instrumental in the victory, which could have important implications for the playoff race in both conferences.