Matas Buzelis Erupts for Career-High 41 Points in Bulls Win

The second-year forward's scoring outburst is the latest sign of his rapid development with the Chicago Bulls.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis scored a career-high 41 points in a 130-124 overtime win against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Buzelis has been on a tear since the trade deadline, averaging 19.2 points per game over the last 13 games as he continues to evolve into a two-way force for the Bulls.

Why it matters

Buzelis' breakout performance is the latest evidence of his rapid development into a potential star player for the Bulls. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has impressed his coaches and teammates, who believe he is on the cusp of taking his game to an elite level.

The details

Buzelis shot 16-of-28 from the field, including 5-of-15 from 3-point range, and added 11 points in the paint and 5 free throw attempts. His aggressiveness and decisiveness in attacking the rim were key factors in his big night. Despite a late-game decision to take a 3-pointer with the Bulls up 5 and 32 seconds left in overtime, Buzelis' coach Billy Donovan praised his high basketball IQ and believes he has the potential to become a true star.

  • Buzelis averaged 19.2 points per game over the 13 games since the trade deadline.

The players

Matas Buzelis

A second-year forward for the Chicago Bulls who scored a career-high 41 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls who has been instrumental in Buzelis' development and believes he has the potential to become a star player.

Collin Sexton

A guard for the Chicago Bulls who encouraged Buzelis to take the late 3-pointer that he later acknowledged was not the smartest decision.

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What they’re saying

“Look, I knew that would be the best shot we've had in … In a time.”

— Collin Sexton, Guard (Chicago Tribune)

“I try to come out aggressive every game. Good things will happen if you put in the work and you believe in yourself. But you have to put the work in. If you don't, you're just cheating yourself.”

— Matas Buzelis (Chicago Tribune)

“I'm riding with Billy forever. He tells you the truth every time. You can appreciate that when somebody tells you what you need to hear instead of hearing all the other talk which isn't true. He's going to always stand up for you. He's somebody in my life that is a huge cornerstone. I'm always going to be thankful for a coach like that who believes in you.”

— Matas Buzelis (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Matas Buzelis' career-best performance is the latest sign of his rapid development into a two-way force for the Chicago Bulls. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor has impressed his coaches and teammates, who believe he is on the cusp of becoming a true star in the NBA.