Matas Buzelis Erupts for 35 Points as Bulls Outpace Kings 126-113

The New Era Begins: Bulls Secure Statement Win Behind Buzelis’s Dominance

On the evening of October 29, 2025, the Chicago Bulls delivered a decisive statement, defeating the Sacramento Kings 126-113 at the United Center. While the final score reflects a high-octane offensive night, the true headline was the performance of second-year forward Matas Buzelis, who appeared determined to usher the franchise into its promised “new era.”

Buzelis, drafted in 2024, played with an aggressive confidence rarely seen from a sophomore, attacking the rim and showcasing a refined perimeter stroke from the opening tip. His explosive start set the tone for a Bulls team that looked energized and committed to a fast-paced, modern offense.

This victory, early in the 2025-2026 campaign, provides significant validation for the Bulls’ strategic shift, proving they can outscore and outrun a quality Western Conference opponent like the Kings, who were led by strong efforts from De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

Game Summary and Statistical Breakdown

The Bulls’ success was built on two pillars: exceptional three-point shooting and dominant individual scoring from their young star. Chicago connected on 18 of 40 attempts from beyond the arc (45%), exploiting the Kings’ tendency to over-help on drives.

Key Team Statistics

The Kings struggled with ball security, coughing up 15 turnovers which the Bulls swiftly converted into 21 fast-break points. This transition offense was critical, preventing Sacramento from setting their half-court defense effectively.

Matas Buzelis: A Generational Performance

Buzelis delivered what many are already calling a defining performance of his young career, demonstrating why the Bulls invested heavily in his development. His stat line was not only impressive for its volume but for its efficiency and completeness.

Buzelis’s Final Line:

• Points: 35
• Rebounds: 10 (4 offensive)
• Assists: 5
• Steals: 2
• Blocks: 1
• Shooting: 13-of-21 FG (61.9%), 5-of-9 3PT (55.6%)

His ability to score both off the catch and create his own shot in isolation situations proved too much for the Kings’ wing defenders. The 6’10” forward’s usage rate was high, but his low turnover count (just 2) indicated smart decision-making under pressure.

“Matas played like a veteran tonight. He didn’t just score; he controlled the pace when we needed it and made the right reads when the defense collapsed. That’s the kind of growth we’ve been waiting for,” said Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan after the game.

Player Grades and Supporting Cast Analysis

While Buzelis took the spotlight, the Bulls received crucial contributions across the roster, particularly from their starting backcourt and a surprisingly effective bench unit. Below is a detailed look at the key player performances, graded on a scale from A+ (Elite) to F (Poor).

Chicago Bulls Player Grades

Sacramento Kings Player Grades

Despite the loss, the Kings’ star duo performed admirably, but received insufficient support from the role players, especially defensively.

Context: The Dawn of the Buzelis Era

The narrative surrounding the Bulls entering the 2025-2026 season centered on moving past the stagnancy of previous years. Buzelis’s performance against the Kings is more than just a box score anomaly; it’s a tangible sign that the organizational shift toward youth and versatility is paying dividends.

Buzelis provides the Bulls with the modern wing creator they have desperately lacked—a player capable of initiating offense, stretching the floor, and defending multiple positions. His 35-point outburst confirms his status as the primary offensive focal point, a role previously shared or contested by older veterans.

This win, coming early in the season, is crucial for establishing team identity and confidence. It signals to the rest of the league that the Bulls are no longer content to simply compete; they are ready to dictate the terms of engagement through pace and perimeter firepower.

Key Takeaways

For fans and analysts reviewing the Bulls’ impressive performance, several critical points stand out:

• Buzelis is the Alpha: Matas Buzelis has firmly established himself as the team’s primary offensive engine, capable of carrying the scoring load with high efficiency.
• Pace and Space Works: The Bulls successfully implemented a high-speed transition game, forcing the Kings into mistakes and capitalizing on open three-point looks.
• Roster Synergy: The pairing of Coby White and Buzelis appears highly effective, with White providing veteran stability and playmaking to complement Buzelis’s explosive scoring.
• Defensive Effort: While the score was high, the Bulls’ ability to force 15 turnovers and secure key defensive stops in the fourth quarter was the difference-maker, preventing the Kings from mounting a serious comeback.

What’s Next

The Chicago Bulls (now 2-1) will look to carry this momentum forward as they face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, November 1st. The challenge for the young team will be consistency—proving that this level of high-efficiency offense and defensive intensity can be maintained against diverse opponents throughout the demanding NBA schedule. All eyes will remain on Buzelis to see if he can replicate this dominant form and solidify his place among the league’s rising stars.