Matas Buzelis has emerged as a bright spot for the struggling Chicago Bulls this season. The second-year forward has played and started in all 59 games this year, and he has been performing well.
The NBA G League Ignite alum is averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.2 blocks this season. His scoring has increased significantly compared to his average of 8.6 points last season. Buzelis has also improved his efficiency. From 45.4% shooting as a rookie, he is now up to 47.4% from the field.
Unfortunately for the Bulls, they are struggling to stay afloat this season. They have lost their 10th straight game after their loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Prior to the game, head coach Billy Donovan had a chat with Buzelis, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The young forward went to the Bulls’ practice facility to get some work in, and Donovan pulled him in to have “the talk.” They basically talked about Buzelis’ shot selection and how he has to stay aggressive.
This heart-to-heart played a pivotal role in Buzelis’ career night.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) talks with head coach Billy Donovan during the first half against the Detroit Pistons.
Matas Buzelis continues to soar for the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls stay firm at the 12th spot of the Eastern Conference standings. After their 10th straight loss, they are now four games behind the last play-in spot. Despite the loss, Buzelis came in and scored his career high of 32 points. He was also efficient, shooting 13-of-19 from the field and 6-of-11 from three. Buzelis topped it off with seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.
After the game, Donovan says he approves of Buzelis’ shot selection against the Hornets.
‘‘He got into the paint area and made some shots, got to the basket and made some drives,’’ Donovan said. ‘‘That’s what he’s got to do: play more off the dribble to score. I thought he was very efficient and decisive.
‘‘If you look at the really good offensive players and scorers in this league, they are hard to guard because you really are not sure what they are going to do — go by you, step back, shoot a three, shot-fake. It’s hard to handle those high-level offensive players. I’ve talked to Matas. He has to be shiftier and craftier with the basketball.’’
Buzelis acknowledged his talk with Donovan but said he didn’t want to get into details of what they talked about.
‘‘I’m going to be what the team needs me to be,’’ he said. ‘‘If that’s scoring, that’s what it’s going to be. I try to figure out during the game what the team needs, and [Tuesday] it was scoring.
The 21-year-old is still a bright spot for the Bulls. He can continue to focus on improving, albeit in a losing situation.
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