On a night when the Chicago Bulls paid tribute to a hometown legend by retiring Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey, it was only fitting that another Chicago native stepped into the spotlight with a moment that felt like a passing of the torch.
MATAS BUZELIS THROWS IT DOWN OVER DERRICK WHITE 🤯pic.twitter.com/TYyXktfpU5
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 25, 2026
Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ 2024 lottery pick, delivered one of the most electric plays of the night against the Boston Celtics - and it wasn’t just highlight-reel material, it was a glimpse into what the future might look like for this franchise. Late in the game, Buzelis took on Payton Pritchard in isolation, dribbled behind his back to create space, then exploded through a wall of Celtics defenders before rising up and hammering home a thunderous dunk over Derrick White. The United Center erupted - not just for the dunk, but for what it represented: a young player who’s starting to figure it out.
At 21, Buzelis is still raw in some areas, and head coach Billy Donovan has been open about the developmental curve ahead. But what’s undeniable is the combination of size, strength, and athleticism that makes Buzelis such a tantalizing piece for Chicago. Plays like that dunk don’t just happen by accident - they’re the product of elite physical tools and growing confidence.
And if he can learn to tap into those tools consistently? That’s when things get exciting. Because for the first time in a while, the Bulls have a young core that’s starting to show real promise - and Buzelis is right at the center of it.
Chicago came into the matchup against Boston with a 22-22 record, riding a three-game winning streak and sitting just two games back of the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference standings. That might not sound like much, but in a wide-open East, it’s enough to keep hope alive. And with Josh Giddey back from a hamstring injury and Buzelis putting together a strong January, there’s a sense that this group could be building toward something more than just another Play-In appearance.
Buzelis, for his part, is averaging 14.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting an efficient 47.8 percent from the field and a respectable 35.7 percent from beyond the arc. Those are solid numbers for a rookie, but more importantly, they’re backed by moments of real growth - like the one he delivered against Boston.
He’s not just putting up stats; he’s showing flashes of star potential.
For Bulls fans, who’ve endured years of mediocrity and missed opportunities, that kind of upside is worth getting excited about. Buzelis grew up in Chicago.
He knows the weight that comes with wearing a Bulls jersey, especially on a night when the city honors one of its basketball icons. And he responded with a performance that felt like more than just a tribute - it felt like a statement.
There’s still a long road ahead for both Buzelis and the Bulls. But if Saturday night was any indication, the future might finally be starting to take shape. And for a franchise that’s been stuck in neutral for too long, that’s something worth watching.