Matas Buzelis recorded a career-high 41 points and hit a decisive three-pointer with 2:20 left in overtime to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 130-124 victory over the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on Tuesday night.
Josh Giddey contributed a triple-double with 21 points, 17 assists, and 13 rebounds, while Tre Jones added 22 points as Chicago bounced back from a 126-110 loss at Sacramento on Sunday.
Jalen Smith’s two clutch free throws with 1.4 seconds left in regulation sent the game to overtime, setting the stage for Buzelis’ standout performance. The Bulls shot 45 percent from the field and connected on 15-of-47 from three-point range.
Golden State struggled without Stephen Curry, who missed his 15th consecutive game with a right knee injury, and Seth Curry, sidelined for sciatica. Injuries also kept De’Anthony Melton, Moses Moody, and Quinten Post out, leaving the Warriors undermanned despite Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford returning.
Porzingis scored 17 points and blocked four shots in just his second home game with the team since arriving in a trade from Atlanta. Pat Spencer added 17 points and six assists, and LJ Cryer contributed another 17 points for Golden State.
The Warriors took the lead late in regulation after Gui Santos and Cryer made key baskets, but Chicago’s timely free throws and Buzelis’ overtime shot secured the win.
The Bulls also outrebounded the Warriors 64-49 and limited turnovers to 12 compared with Golden State’s 18.
Chicago improved to 27-38 on the season and continues its five-game West Coast road trip with a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. The Warriors fell to 32-33 and will host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
