Chicago Bulls fans should be excited after an excellent Matas Buzelis Rising Stars performance during the NBA Rising Stars game. Although the game was dominated by twins Ausar and Amen Thompson, Buzelis played well in his nine minutes off the bench, filling out a solid stat sheet, including a highlight moment. His ability to stand out among other young talent is a great sign for his development and potential.
Matas Buzelis’s Rising Stars Performance Shows Great Potential
Buzelis has been very promising for Chicago in his rookie season so far. With limited bench minutes, the six-foot-10 forward averages 6.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 36.1% on threes. His potential as a 3-and-D wing is showing early, and a Rising Stars appearance was well-deserved.
Although, the rookie was not initially picked for the game. He was named an injury replacement after Yves Missi suffered a knee injury in a victory over the Sacramento Kings. Buzelis was placed on Team M as a reserve, but in his few minutes on the court, he showed great promise among the young talent.
Buzelis’ Rising Star Stats
In his little playing time, Buzelis scored four points, shooting 2-4 (0-1 3PT) with two rebounds, one assist, and a steal. Despite his lone turnover, he managed to keep a positive court impact with a +/- of 1. Four of his team’s starters were -3 or worse.
Both of Buzelis’s baskets came in the paint. The first was off a running dunk after securing a defensive rebound. The second was an excellent play driving in isolation and recognizing the open lane as Dink Pate had his back turned. This play should excite fans, showing his potential as a ball-handler rather than just a catch-and-shoot wing.
MATAS BUZELIS RISING UP
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— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2025
His lone assist was a highlight-worthy play. Securing the steal at half-court, he found Amen alone at the rim with an over-the-head backwards pass.
MATAS BEHIND-THE-HEAD NO-LOOK DIME
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— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 15, 2025
Moving Forward For Buzelis
After a close battle, Team M ultimately lost 40-39 to the G League stars. Buzelis was not crowned the Rising Star MVP (that honour went to the well-deserving Stephon Castle). However, despite the loss, the young Bull has much to be excited about moving forward.
Buzelis is not to be overlooked as a prospect after that performance. With Zach LaVine’s departure at the NBA trade deadline, the 20-year-old has stepped into the starting power forward role over the past four contests. In the first half of the season, the 11th overall pick averaged 14.8 minutes per game. He should get heavy playing time in the final stretch of the season. He will get a chance to match up against some of the best players in the league and develop his game.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
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