Matas Buzelis Flourishes Amid Bulls’ Depth Challenges, Faces Rookie Sensation Cooper Flagg

By [Your Name], US Sports Reporter

Published: January 12, 2026

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is enjoying arguably the best stretch of his young NBA career, averaging 18.3 points and five rebounds over his last 18 games heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.

With guard Coby White battling a strained calf and being in-and-out of the lineup, and guard Josh Giddey sidelined with a hamstring injury, Buzelis has assumed more offensive responsibility and become a focal point of the Bulls’ scoring attack.

Despite the added responsibilities, Buzelis maintains an easygoing demeanor, allowing him to manage the pressures and spotlight that come with being an emerging NBA player tasked with leading a team through adversity.

Saturday’s matchup carried extra intrigue as Buzelis faced rookie sensation Cooper Flagg, a top draft pick for the Mavericks who had fans buzzing both in the United Center and across social media platforms.

When asked about Flagg during pregame interviews, Buzelis initially smiled and laughed, but his expression quickly went blank as he acknowledged the competitive challenge ahead.

“Um, we’re cool,” Buzelis said before the game. “But we’re gonna battle, and he knows that, too.”

Buzelis and Flagg share a brief history that dates back to high school, although they were two years apart academically, and Flagg reclassified to the Class of 2024 before ultimately enrolling at Montverde Academy in Florida.

Buzelis had previously given Flagg a tour of Brewster Academy, a New Hampshire boarding school where he attended, though Flagg chose Montverde, a prep powerhouse, before going pro after one season at Duke University.

In the NBA, a single player can dramatically alter a franchise’s trajectory, and for the Mavericks, Cooper Flagg represents a beacon of hope after Dallas traded superstar Luka Doncic to the Lakers last season, leaving the team seemingly adrift.

Thanks to lottery luck, the Mavericks drafted Flagg No. 1 overall in June, instantly giving Dallas fans optimism and a potential cornerstone around which to rebuild the franchise.

Flagg entered the game averaging 19.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, proving early that he has lived up to his billing as a top pick and a potential franchise-altering player.

A notable contingent of Mavericks fans gathered near the locker room entrance at the United Center, many wearing Flagg jerseys, signaling excitement for the rookie and underscoring the hype surrounding his debut season.

Buzelis was assigned to guard Flagg for long stretches, tasked with containing his scoring and limiting his effectiveness, particularly on drives to the basket and mid-range jumpers that have become a strength of the rookie.

“The first thing that stands out is just his competitiveness and how hard he competes and plays,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said of Flagg.

“Like any young player, the skill set only gets better over a period of time. But he’s obviously coming in with a great foundation. I’ve heard great things about him all the way around.”

Donovan added, “Like any rookie, you go through these learning curves. But I think he’s got a chance to be a special player in the league.”

For the Bulls, Buzelis’ recent stretch signals the potential for him to ascend into an upper-echelon star, and the team hopes he can be developed into one of the league’s elite players while continuing to handle growing responsibilities.

Buzelis’ confidence and versatility make him a cornerstone for the Bulls, particularly as Chicago navigates injury issues and seeks consistent production from multiple players in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Off the court, Buzelis’ composure was evident during a nearly two-hour delay before a previous Bulls game against the Heat was postponed due to condensation on the United Center court.

“I felt like it was gonna be canceled,” Buzelis said. “There’s no way you could fix that [court], so I was just trying to stay engaged. It felt like there was grease everywhere.”

The ability to stay focused during disruptions and maintain mental readiness is a critical attribute for young players, and Buzelis’ approach underscores his maturity and professionalism at a young age.

While injuries to teammates like White and Giddey have placed more pressure on him, Buzelis has embraced the role, providing scoring, floor spacing, and consistent effort on both ends of the court.

His scoring average of 18.3 points over 18 games reflects a combination of shot creation, efficient shooting, and confidence in clutch moments, giving the Bulls a reliable offensive option as they strive for stability in a rollercoaster season.

Buzelis’ performance against the Mavericks, paired with his growing experience, could help solidify him as a leader in the locker room and a key figure in Chicago’s rebuild, especially as younger players adjust to NBA intensity and expectations.

The matchup with Flagg also served as a personal test of competitiveness and adaptability, as guarding one of the league’s most hyped rookies requires focus, stamina, and mental toughness, all of which Buzelis has shown in recent games.

As the Bulls continue the season, Buzelis’ trajectory will be closely monitored, as his ability to maintain production, handle pressure, and develop into a franchise player could define Chicago’s success in the coming years.