The Chicago Bulls are losing because one player cannot find his rhythm. Matas Buzelis is averaging 14.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and two assists per game, yet the team sits at 1-4 with a three-game losing streak. Per Pippen Ain’t Easy, this start is far from ideal. The math is simple: the Bulls cannot win when their young star struggles to score over 20 points, a feat he has only managed once this season.
That single game against the Washington Wizards saw Buzelis drop 21 points. It proved he can do it, but it also highlighted how rare that output has become. Right now, his shooting splits are a major concern. From the field, his shooting percentage is 38.8%, while beyond the arc it is 28%. When the outside shot falls flat, the driving lanes close up.
The Turnover Trap
Buzelis is averaging 2.8 turnovers per contest. That is a massive issue for a team trying to gain control on the offensive end. Per Pippen Ain’t Easy, limiting these mistakes is the key to giving him more chances to score. Every time he hands the ball over, the Bulls lose momentum. To create chances for him to drive to the basket, He demonstrated the ability in preseason., the squad must improve ball security.
If Buzelis gets his three-point shot going, the whole offense improves. A hot shooter forces defenses to step out, which clears the path for drives. But until that happens, the team remains stuck. The front office needs to prioritize getting him more opportunities downhill. Without that balance, the offense stays predictable and easy to stop. Early contributions from Buzelis are required by the Bulls to prove this situation can be reversed.
A New Duo in the Making
There is hope, but it comes with a new name. Rookie Caleb Wilson is putting up big numbers while Buzelis struggles. Across each game, Wilson posts 20.8 points, seven rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks. According to Pippen Ain’t Easy, these two players possess the potential to become a formidable 1-2 punch for the franchise. Wilson is shooting 41.3% from the field, though he is also struggling from deep at 22.2%.
Buzelis and Wilson must find their groove together.
