Chicago Bulls fans needed something to look forward to, and they got that something on Monday night.
Matas Buzelis confirmed on Instagram that he will be the fifth Bulls player in franchise history to compete in the NBA’s iconic Slam Dunk contest. He joins Orlando Woodridge (1984), Michael Jordan (1985, 1987, 1988), Scottie Pippen (1990), and Tyrus Thomas (2007) on the shortlist.
While we’re still waiting for the NBA to officially announce the complete field, Buzelis is reportedly set to match up against fellow rookie and lottery pick Stephon Castle.
- I have to imagine accepting an invite to All-Star Weekend was a quick decision for Matas Buzelis. If there are two things we have learned about the rookie thus far, it’s that he (1) loves dunking and (2) loves competing even more. I have very little doubt that he is going to take this appearance extremely seriously, which only has me more excited about what he could attempt under the bright lights of the Chase Center. Likewise, this is an excellent way for Buzelis to get his name out there. Whether it be the unconventional G League Ignite path or this season’s lack of playing time, many around the league are still unfamiliar with the No. 11 overall pick. All it takes is one jaw-dropping dunk in The Bay to put people on notice.
- For those ready to mark their calendar, the Slam Dunk contest will be the third event at All-Star Saturday night on Feb. 15. The festivities will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. on TNT.

- If NBA head coaches have a brain, Buzelis should have a teammate with him in San Francisco. Zach LaVine has continued to post All-Star-caliber numbers, creating a strong case for a reserve spot in the Eastern Conference. He registered his 13th 30-point game – and seventh in the last eleven games – on Monday night in a surprising blowout win over the Los Angeles Clippers. He shot 11-21 from the field and 5-12 from long range, nearly single-handedly outscoring the entire Clippers team in the third quarter 15 to 16.
- While LaVine had a strong night from downtown, his real success was derived from going downhill. He forced his way to the free throw line for double-digit (8-10) attempts and gave us one of his best slams of the season. I can’t believe he can make it look THIS easy in Year 11.
- The 35-point effort also helped LaVine make some more Bulls history. In the same season that he became the franchise’s all-time leading three-point shot maker, he tied HOFer Bob Love for the second-most 30-point games in team history. Only 428 more to go to pass Michael Jordan!
- Speaking of which, LaVine immediately asked how many more he needed to match the GOAT, knowing it would be unachievable. When the number was revealed, he couldn’t help but laugh: “See, the guy wasn’t real. It’s good to be second to him. It’s damn near like you at first somethings,” LaVine told Chicago Sports Network.
- The Chicago Bulls entered their matchup with the Clippers on a five-game skid. Over that stretch, they held a -9.6 net rating (25th). You could tell Los Angeles was well aware of that fact after the game, as they sounded downright embarrassed to lose 112-99 to this team: “I’m not looking toward nobody. We just got whooped at home by the Bulls,” James Harden told reporters after the game (h/t Law Murray).
- Norman Powell also expressed his frustration to reporters: “The only positive we can take out of tonight … there’s not really a positive. It’s a learning experience.”
- Matas Minutes Watch: The rookie played only slightly over 12.0 minutes against the Clippers despite the Bulls’ blowout. Billy Donovan said after the game that he “kind of lost him,” as he wanted to ride out the unit that was doing so well in the third quarter. Meanwhile, Talen Horton-Tucker had played just under 23.0 minutes off the bench, including the ENTIRE fourth quarter. Make it make sense!
- Trade season has arrived for both the Bulls and Blackhawks. Tab shared a lot of thoughts on what he believes the other team at the United Center could do.
- Michael shared some really good news about one of the Chicago Cubs’ top pitching prospects!
- THE CHICAGO BEARS HAVE A NEW HEAD COACH AND IT IS THE GUY THAT EVERYONE WANTED!
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