Chicago Bulls Kick Off 2026 With Win Over Orlando Magic and Dunk of the Year Candidate from Matas Buzelis

Jan 2, 2026 — The Chicago Bulls started the new year with a statement performance, defeating the Orlando Magic 121-114 on the second night of 2026. The game was memorable not only for the victory but also for a highlight-reel dunk by forward Matas Buzelis, which earned immediate attention and a potential nomination for Dunk of the Year.

At the 7:34 mark of the second quarter, Buzelis grabbed the ball and emphatically slammed it over Magic guard Jalen Suggs, a play that sent the crowd into a frenzy from the rafters to the floor seats. The electrifying moment became an instant highlight, circulating widely on social media and instantly putting Buzelis in the spotlight for one of the season’s most memorable dunks.

Buzelis finished the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, demonstrating that his impact went far beyond a single highlight moment. His stat line reflects a well-rounded contribution, balancing scoring, playmaking, and rebounding to help secure the Bulls’ victory over a solid Eastern Conference opponent.

Despite the fanfare surrounding the dunk, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized that Buzelis’ overall impact on winning is more important than highlight plays.

“The dunks were phenomenal, they were unbelievable,” Donovan said. “But it was only worth two points. To me, the seven assists and the rebounding were so much more valuable to our team. I get fans love it, I loved watching it for a second, it was awesome. But at the end of the day, those don’t happen every single night. That’s just his athletic ability and talent. But it’s the other things he’s doing, I think, that are impacting winning. That’s why all I really want to see him do is, how do you really impact a team and impact winning?”

Donovan further highlighted the maturation and development of Buzelis as a complete player. Over the past several months, the young forward has demonstrated increased awareness of the nuances of professional basketball, contributing in ways that go beyond scoring and highlight-reel plays.

“I think he’s learning those things,” Donovan explained. “I really appreciate the way he’s leaned into that stuff to try to get better. Like I’ve said before, he’s a great guy to work with. He’s a great guy to be around. He’s not afraid of the moment. He leans in, trying to get better, and he wants to be really good. As a coach, you have to admire that.”

This game was also an opportunity for Buzelis to show that his contributions extend beyond spectacular dunks. His seven assists and near double-double in rebounds reinforced his role as a versatile forward capable of impacting multiple facets of the game. Donovan’s comments suggest the coaching staff is particularly focused on turning athletic potential into consistent, team-oriented performance.

The dunk itself, while spectacular, is emblematic of Buzelis’ growth as a player. Known for his combination of size, athleticism, and agility, he is beginning to blend raw talent with basketball IQ and leadership instincts, a combination that could make him a cornerstone for the Bulls in the coming seasons.

Buzelis’ aspirations are equally ambitious. Earlier in the season, he discussed his desire to compete for the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, a goal that aligns with his efforts to impact winning in more ways than scoring alone. This season, he is averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, solidifying his role as a key contributor for a team looking to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

From a team perspective, the Bulls’ win over the Magic continues a trend of strong starts in 2026, giving Chicago momentum heading into a challenging stretch of games. The victory demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to execute against competitive opponents, a positive sign for a franchise aiming to contend in the East.

Social media quickly reacted to Buzelis’ dunk, with fans and analysts alike praising the athleticism and timing of the play. ClutchPoints tweeted:

“MATAS BUZELIS PUTS JALEN SUGGS ON A MEAN POSTER 🤯”

While the highlight moment may generate headlines, the coaching staff and veteran leaders are focused on ensuring that Buzelis’ growth translates to team success night after night. Donovan’s approach reflects a broader philosophy in Chicago: while spectacular plays can excite fans, consistent contributions in passing, defense, and basketball IQ are what truly drive wins.

Buzelis’ continued development will be crucial as the Bulls aim to solidify a playoff position in a competitive Eastern Conference. His ability to balance scoring, rebounding, and playmaking will be essential for Chicago to compete with top-tier teams and make a run once postseason play begins.

The win against Orlando also sent a message to the league: the Bulls have emerging young talent capable of spectacular athletic plays, while simultaneously demonstrating the discipline and team-first mentality necessary to sustain a winning culture. Buzelis embodies this dual approach—flashy athleticism paired with consistent effort and basketball intelligence.

Looking ahead, the Bulls will aim to build on their strong start to 2026. With Buzelis continuing to grow into a complete player, and under the guidance of Donovan, the team has the potential to balance highlight-reel plays with fundamentally sound basketball, a formula that could yield significant success as the season progresses.

In summary, while Matas Buzelis’ dunk over Jalen Suggs may be the play of the night and a potential Dunk of the Year candidate, his real value lies in consistent contributions, leadership, and ability to impact winning. Chicago fans can celebrate the spectacular moment, but they should also take note of Buzelis’ emerging all-around game, which promises to be a foundation for the Bulls in the seasons to come.