Matas Buzelis explodes for career-high 41 points as Bulls stun Warriors 130-124 in overtime
Mar 10, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) drives during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images
Matas Buzelis announced himself in spectacular fashion on Tuesday night, erupting for a career-high 41 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 130-124 overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. The second-year forward’s breakout performance included a crucial 3-pointer with 2:20 remaining in the extra period that helped seal the victory.
Josh Giddey complemented Buzelis perfectly with a triple-double of 21 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds, while Tre Jones added 22 points for the Bulls, who bounced back from a tough 126-110 loss at Sacramento on Sunday. The victory came after a dramatic finish that saw Jalen Smith convert two free throws with just 1.4 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.
Warriors’ late collapse costs them dearly
The Warriors appeared to have the game in hand after a remarkable 24-4 run late in the fourth quarter, sparked by Will Richard‘s perimeter defense and Pat Spencer‘s offensive creativity. Spencer capped the surge with a deep 3-pointer that gave Golden State an eight-point lead with 1:30 remaining in regulation.
However, the Warriors’ advantage quickly evaporated. Buzelis immediately answered with a 3-pointer of his own, and after Gui Santos missed a layup followed by Al Horford‘s two missed tip-ins, the momentum shifted completely. A crucial turnover by Richard led to a Leonard Miller layup, cutting the lead to one point.
LJ Cryer, playing in just his seventh career game, calmly made two free throws after being fouled with 10 seconds remaining. But the drama wasn’t over. After Smith made two free throws for Chicago, Draymond Green committed a costly foul on Smith’s desperation 3-point attempt with 1.4 seconds left, allowing the Bulls guard to tie the game at the line.
Undermanned Warriors fall short again
For Golden State, Kristaps Porzingis contributed 17 points and four blocks in just his third game since being acquired from Atlanta, while Spencer finished with 17 points and six assists. Cryer also scored 17 points, shooting an impressive 4-for-7 from the field and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
The Warriors completed their road-home back-to-back missing Stephen Curry for a 15th straight game due to a lingering right knee injury. They were also without Seth Curry (sciatica), De’Anthony Melton (sore left inner thigh), Moses Moody (sprained right wrist), and Quinten Post (foot soreness).
The loss marked Golden State’s third straight defeat and dropped them below .500 for the first time since mid-December. The defeat also denied coach Steve Kerr his 600th career victory. Chicago dominated the paint 64-44 and outscored the Warriors 17-12 in transition, proving decisive factors in their upset victory.
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