Fri Mar 21 04:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Bulls Rookie Buzelis Shines in Rematch Against Jazz, Earns Praise from Markkanen

**SALT LAKE CITY** – Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis has dramatically improved since his debut against the Utah Jazz in early November. In a significant turnaround, Buzelis led the Bulls to a 111-97 victory over the Jazz on Monday, showcasing a marked improvement in his performance. He started his 17th consecutive game, scoring 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, grabbing nine rebounds, dishing out two assists, and blocking a shot in 30 minutes of play.

His performance impressed Jazz star Lauri Markkanen, a former Bull, who lauded Buzelis’s tenacity and potential. Markkanen, echoing the sentiments of Kevin Durant and Carmelo Anthony, stated that Buzelis possesses the skills, toughness, and athleticism to become a significant player in the league. He highlighted Buzelis’s work ethic and described him as a “great kid.”

Bulls coach Billy Donovan also sees significant potential in Buzelis, drawing parallels to Markkanen’s own development. While acknowledging the need for improvement in areas like defensive instincts and awareness, Donovan is confident that Buzelis will continue to grow, citing his improving ability to attack the basket and finish at the rim as evidence of his progress.

Buzelis’s recent strong play, averaging 26.5 minutes since the All-Star break, counters earlier concerns about him hitting a “rookie wall.” His performance against the Jazz underscores his resilience and commitment to improvement. The Bulls, currently ninth in the Eastern Conference, have won five of their last six games, and Buzelis’s development is viewed as a key factor in their success. The team believes he has the potential to follow a similar trajectory to Markkanen’s rise to All-Star status.

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