Buzelis Shines Bright with 19 Points in Bulls Narrow Preseason Victory Over Cavaliers

Matas Buzelis made a significant impact during the 2025 NBA Preseason opener for the Chicago Bulls, leading the game with 19 points in a narrow 118-117 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena.

The revitalized Lithuanian combo forward showcased an aggressive and effective performance to kick off his second season in the league on Tuesday, shooting 7 out of 11 from the field, while also grabbing eight rebounds, recording one block, and providing one assist in just over 18 minutes of play. Teammate Nikola Vucevic from Montenegro contributed with three points and six rebounds in 19 minutes as a starter. Off the bench, French player Noa Essengue added eight points and five rebounds in 13 minutes of action.

For the Cavaliers, Tristan Enaruna from the Netherlands played the entire fourth quarter, scoring three points and securing one rebound, while Killian Hayes from France finished with two points, two assists, and one steal. After this initial exhibition matchup in Cleveland, the Bulls and Cavaliers are set to clash again at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday.

In another tight preseason contest, the Indiana Pacers edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 135-134, at the Target Center. Rudy Gobert started for the Timberwolves and achieved five points, four rebounds, one block, and one steal. His French teammate Joan Beringer contributed four points, while Italian Donte DiVincenzo added three points to the team’s effort.

The preseason games will continue until next Friday, leading up to the start of the Regular Season on October 21. The Bulls will kick things off at home against the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers will face the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and the Timberwolves will take on the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on October 22.

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