Matas Buzelis Shines in Rising Stars Game Amid Tumultuous Bulls Season
While the Chicago Bulls are navigating a rough patch, Matas Buzelis took a brief detour from the grind and reminded everyone why he’s one of the brightest young names in the NBA. The second-year forward suited up for the NBA Rising Stars Game on Friday and showed flashes of the All-Star potential that’s been simmering under the surface all season.
Buzelis helped lead Team Vince to a nail-biting 25-24 win over Team Melo, a victory that came with some extra flair thanks to the presence of NBA legends Vince Carter and Carmelo Anthony serving as head coaches. Buzelis chipped in six points in the semifinal and added four more in the final - not eye-popping numbers, but within the context of a short-format showcase, they spoke volumes about his poise and ability to contribute in high-pressure moments.
This marked Buzelis’ third straight appearance in the Rising Stars Game - a rare feat and a sign of just how consistently he’s been viewed as a top-tier young talent. While MVP honors went to V.J.
Edgecombe of the Philadelphia 76ers, who put up 17 in the semifinal and iced the championship with two clutch free throws, Buzelis’ performance didn’t go unnoticed. He brought energy, versatility, and a quiet confidence that’s becoming his trademark.
Interestingly, Buzelis opted out of the dunk contest this year, a change from last season when he participated but bowed out in the first round. This time, he chose to focus on the Rising Stars Game - and that decision paid off. It was less about highlight-reel theatrics and more about showing he belongs among the league’s rising elite.
Back in Chicago, things haven’t been nearly as celebratory. The Bulls are reeling, currently on a six-game losing streak and sitting at 24-31 overall. They’ve dropped nine of their last ten, and the team is still trying to find its footing after a flurry of trades that reshaped the roster midseason.
Those moves sent out key veterans like Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic - players who played a big part in Buzelis’ development during his rookie campaign. Their absence has left a leadership vacuum, and Buzelis, now averaging 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, is being asked to grow up fast in a locker room that’s seen its core dismantled.
That’s no small task for a 20-year-old in just his second full season. But if his Rising Stars showing is any indication, Buzelis isn’t shying away from the moment. He’s evolving - not just as a scorer, but as a player who can impact games in different ways, even as the team around him struggles to find consistency.
The NBA All-Star Game tips off Sunday in Los Angeles, but for Buzelis and the Bulls, the real work begins again shortly after. They’ll return to action on Thursday, Feb. 19, against the Toronto Raptors - a chance to reset, regroup, and maybe, with Buzelis leading the way, start building something new out of the chaos.