CHICAGO — The Chicago Bulls kicked off 2026 with an electrifying performance on the court, defeating the Orlando Magic 121-114 on the second night of the new year, while also earning national attention for a spectacular highlight from rising star Matas Buzelis.

Buzelis’ performance went beyond the stat sheet, as the 7:34 mark of the second quarter featured a thunderous dunk over Magic guard Jalen Suggs that immediately ignited the United Center crowd, cementing the highlight as a strong contender for the NBA’s dunk of the year.

The dunk was emblematic of Buzelis’ athletic prowess and growing confidence, as he combined explosive vertical ability with precise timing, delivering a play that not only thrilled fans but also symbolized his ongoing emergence as a cornerstone for the Bulls.

In the game, Buzelis was far from a one-dimensional highlight reel, finishing with 21 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game.

The excitement surrounding the dunk quickly spread on social media, with ClutchPoints capturing the moment in a post that highlighted Buzelis putting Suggs on a memorable poster, sparking a wave of reactions from fans and analysts alike.

While the highlight grabbed headlines, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan emphasized that Buzelis’ broader contributions — particularly his passing and rebounding — have a far greater impact on the team’s success than any single athletic moment.

“The dunks were phenomenal, they were unbelievable,” Donovan said after the game, acknowledging the excitement generated by the play, while also emphasizing the importance of consistent contributions in other areas of the court.

“But it was only worth two points. To me, the seven assists and the rebounding were so much more valuable to our team,” Donovan continued, highlighting the subtleties of basketball that often determine winning outcomes beyond flashy moments.

Donovan also noted the role of consistency, stating, “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.”

The Bulls coach framed Buzelis’ development in terms of impact on winning, emphasizing that growth comes not just from spectacular plays but from influencing the game in multiple ways that drive team success.

“But it’s the other things he’s doing, I think, that are impacting winning,” Donovan said. “That’s why all I really want to see him do is: How do you really impact a team and impact winning?”

Buzelis’ trajectory has been one of steady improvement, and Donovan acknowledged the young forward’s commitment to learning and expanding his skill set to become a more complete player on both ends of the court.

“I think he’s learning those things,” Donovan said, praising Buzelis’ work ethic and willingness to lean into challenging moments in games, demonstrating maturity beyond his age and experience level in the league.

The Bulls coach added, “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.”

Donovan also emphasized Buzelis’ fearlessness in high-pressure situations, noting that the forward is not intimidated by momentous plays, and instead embraces challenges as opportunities to grow and improve his game.

“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,” Donovan said, highlighting the intangible qualities that separate promising young players from future stars.

Buzelis’ dunk, while spectacular, is emblematic of his growing confidence and presence on the floor, signaling that he is ready to take on more responsibility as a primary offensive and defensive contributor for the Bulls.

Earlier in the year, Buzelis had spoken publicly about his ambition to win the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year award, a goal that reflects both his personal drive and his increasing influence within the team structure.

Currently, Buzelis is averaging 14.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, indicating that while he still has room to grow, his production is steadily trending upward and placing him among the Bulls’ key contributors this season.

The Bulls’ victory over Orlando was not just about individual moments, but also reflected cohesive team play, with Buzelis’ contributions highlighting how younger players are beginning to integrate into the team’s offensive schemes and defensive rotations.

Chicago’s performance in the win was bolstered by balanced scoring, effective ball movement, and disciplined defense, showing that the team is capable of thriving when young stars like Buzelis step into expanded roles.

Buzelis’ dunk also served as a reminder of the potential ceiling of his athleticism and offensive creativity, signaling to opponents that he is a player capable of generating explosive moments that can change momentum in a game.

For Bulls fans, the combination of highlight plays and consistent production provides optimism, as Buzelis represents a player with both current impact and long-term potential to grow into a franchise cornerstone.

While the dunk captured attention, Donovan’s message was clear: winning basketball relies on more than highlight reels, and Buzelis’ development will ultimately be measured by his ability to consistently contribute across all facets of the game.

The balance between athleticism and basketball IQ is essential, and Donovan’s praise for Buzelis’ maturation reflects the coaching staff’s focus on fostering a complete, well-rounded player who can influence both ends of the floor.

Buzelis’ performance also underscores the Bulls’ broader strategy of developing young talent while building toward sustained competitiveness in the Eastern Conference, leveraging draft assets and internal growth to complement roster construction.

As the season progresses, games like the Magic matchup serve as benchmarks for Buzelis’ growth, demonstrating that he can pair highlight-worthy moments with meaningful contributions that directly impact the team’s success.

For now, Buzelis’ 2026 start has been a promising mix of spectacle and substance, combining electrifying athleticism with consistent scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, signaling his readiness to take on a larger role with the Bulls.

Chicago’s coaching staff, fans, and analysts will be watching closely to see if Buzelis can maintain this level of production while continuing to refine his decision-making, defensive awareness, and leadership abilities on the court.

Ultimately, Buzelis’ dunk of the year nomination is more than a highlight; it symbolizes his growth trajectory and potential to become a pivotal figure in Chicago’s resurgence as a competitive NBA franchise.

As the Bulls build toward the second half of the season, Buzelis’ development will be a key storyline, with fans and analysts alike eager to see whether he can translate athletic brilliance into consistent team impact and leadership.