Matas Buzelis led the Chicago Bulls past the Minnesota Timberwolves 126-120 at the United Center on Thursday. The Bulls improved to 3-2 in the preseason, while Minnesota fell to 2-3.
Buzelis scored 19 points, grabbed a rebound, and added a steal, providing a strong presence on both ends of the floor. Nikola Vucevic contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Giddey posted 14 points with nine assists. Jalen Smith added 15 points and five rebounds.
The Timberwolves were paced by Anthony Edwards with 25 points and Julius Randle with 23 points. Rudy Gobert contributed 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Mike Conley added 6 assists. Jaden McDaniels managed 4 points.
Chicago trailed after the first quarter, 31-26, but surged in the second, outscoring Minnesota 34-23 to take a 60-54 lead at halftime. The Bulls maintained the advantage through the third quarter, despite Minnesota narrowing the gap to 76-76 midway through the period.
Key bench contributions came from Julian Phillips, who scored 17 points, and Jevon Carter, who added 12 points. The Bulls shot 46.5% from the field and converted 76.7% of free throws, while Minnesota shot 49% and struggled from deep, hitting just 41.9% of three-pointers.
Chicago capitalized on turnovers, forcing Minnesota into 20 miscues while committing just 15 of their own. The Bulls also dominated fast-break points 27-18, giving them a decisive edge in transition.
Despite a late surge from Minnesota, including a 12-2 run in the final two minutes of the third quarter, Buzelis’ scoring and timely contributions from Vucevic and Giddey helped seal the win.
