Matas Buzelis Scores 41: Bulls Beat Warriors in Overtime | NBA Highlights

Chicago Bulls guard Matas Buzelis achieved a career-high 41 points in a 130-124 overtime victory against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. This performance not only marks a personal best for the young Lithuanian player but also surpasses a record previously held by basketball legend Michael Jordan, making him the youngest player in Chicago Bulls history to reach the 40-point milestone. The game, played at the Chase Center in San Francisco, saw Buzelis contribute 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks in 45 minutes of play.

Buzelis’s Record-Breaking Performance: A Detailed Look

Buzelis’s 41-point outing included 11 of 13 two-point attempts, 5 of 15 three-point attempts, and 4 of 5 free throws. Prior to this game, his highest-scoring performance was 32 points against the Charlotte Hornets. This achievement places him in a tie for second and third place among all-time leading Lithuanian scoring performances, alongside Linas Kleiza (who also scored 41 points against the Utah Jazz), while Domantas Sabonis holds the record with 42 points, also against the Jazz. ESPN’s game recap details the pivotal role Buzelis played in securing the Bulls’ win.

A Game of Overtime and Key Contributions

The Bulls and Warriors battled through a tightly contested game that ultimately required overtime to determine a winner. Jalen Smith’s two free throws with just 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation time forced the extra period. In addition to Buzelis’s stellar performance, Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds, significantly contributing to the Bulls’ success. Tre Jones added 22 points to the team’s total. The final score saw the Bulls edge out the Warriors 130-124.

Warriors’ Challenges and Buzelis’s Rising Star

The Warriors faced challenges with a depleted roster, missing key players like Stephen Curry (right knee injury, sidelined for 15 consecutive games), Seth Curry (sciatic nerve issue), De’Anthony Melton (sore left inner thigh), Moses Moody (sprained right wrist), and Quinten Post (foot soreness). Despite strong performances from Gui Santos, LJ Cryer, Pat Spencer, and Kristaps Porzingis, each scoring 17 points, the Warriors were unable to overcome the Bulls’ offensive surge. Game highlights on YouTube showcase Buzelis’s impressive scoring display.

Contextualizing Buzelis’s Achievement

While Buzelis’s performance was remarkable, it was somewhat overshadowed by Bam Adebayo’s incredible 83-point game for another team (details not provided in the source material). Though, Buzelis’s achievement is significant within the context of the Chicago Bulls franchise and his own career trajectory. Becoming the youngest player in Bulls history to score 40 or more points highlights his potential as a rising star in the NBA. A Facebook post from the Chicago Bulls celebrates Buzelis’s career night.

What Comes Next: Continued Development and Team Performance

For Matas Buzelis, the focus will be on continuing his development and building upon this impressive performance. Consistent scoring and all-around contributions will be crucial for his growth as a player. For the Chicago Bulls, this win provides a positive momentum shift, particularly following a recent 126-110 loss to the Sacramento Kings. The team will likely aim to leverage Buzelis’s emerging talent and Giddey’s consistent play to improve their overall record and compete more effectively in the Western Conference. Further observation of Buzelis’s performance in upcoming games will be key to assessing his long-term potential and impact on the Bulls’ success.