Buzelis Shines Bright Despite Hitting the Rookie Wall on Occasion
Matas Buzelis has embarked on an intense road trip, tasked with defending NBA legends like Kevin Durant, DeMar DeRozan, and most recently, LeBron James. Although he appeared to hit a rough patch a few weeks ago typical for rookies, he rebounded spectacularly with a career-best performance, scoring 31 points as the Chicago Bulls decisively defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 146-115.
While his teammates suspect Buzelis may have encountered the well-known “rookie wall,” his latest performance proves otherwise. Against a formidable opponent like LeBron James, Buzelis demonstrated resilience and skill by delivering a standout performance, achieving a personal record of 31 points.
Josh Giddey, Buzelis’ teammate on the Bulls, humorously declared Buzelis’ denial of encountering the “rookie wall” as unfounded. Reflecting on his first year in the NBA with Oklahoma City during the 2021-22 season, Giddey remembered not only hitting the proverbial wall but also feeling its impact.
“I began my rookie year at full throttle, moving at a breakneck pace,” Giddey recounted. “As the season progressed, the game seemed to slow down. It wasn’t until around December or January that I hit my wall, which lasted a few weeks before getting my second wind. Adapting to the NBA’s demanding schedule is a challenge that requires acclimatization.”
Despite facing a challenging period characterized by single-digit scoring in four of his last six games and a 24% three-point shooting accuracy, Buzelis refused to acknowledge any barriers. “People have their opinions,” he stated. “I haven’t hit a wall. I’m still full of energy on the court. Even when my offense isn’t clicking, I’ve maintained strong defensive performances.”
Buzelis silenced any doubters by not only matching but surpassing his previous performance, amassing a personal best of 31 points in the dominant victory over the Lakers. It was a record-setting night, with Giddey also achieving a triple-double, including a personal best of 17 assists. Not to be outdone, Coby White shone with 36 points.
Attention centered on Buzelis, especially given his recent matchups against such elite players. “I thrive on competition,” said Buzelis. “Facing these tough opponents is enjoyable, and I’m relishing the experience.”
The week has been a pivotal learning experience for Buzelis, as he refines his skills under pressure. “Watching game footage doesn’t compare to actual gameplay,” he observed. “Taking on someone like KD requires maximum effort: playing physical and challenging every moment.”
In Sacramento, however, Buzelis encountered adversity. Though he started the game, he spent significant time on the bench during the second half. Coach Billy Donovan attributed this to strategy rather than performance.
Nevertheless, Buzelis seemed to struggle during his limited second-half minutes, showing the unpredictability of rookies’ performance. Yet, he swiftly rebounded, casting off recent offensive setbacks.
“In the last few months,” Buzelis reflected, “I’ve learned more about basketball than ever before. Competing in the NBA has honed my skills immensely. My commitment to refining every aspect of my game – whether it’s dribbling, shooting, or defense – is unwavering, and my love for the sport drives me to constantly enhance my abilities.”