By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Matas Buzelis stood out in the NBA Preseason 2025 opener of the Chicago Bulls with a game-high 19 points in a 118-117 victory versus the Cleveland Cavaliers in Rocket Arena.
The rejuvenated Lithuanian combo forward was aggressive and efficient to launch his sophomore campaign in the league on Tuesday, combining 7/11 field goals with eight rebounds, one block, and one assist, lasting just over 18 minutes. Fellow starter, Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic, logged 19 minutes with three points and six rebounds. French Noa Essengue came off the bench with eight points and five rebounds in 13 minutes.
Playing the entire fourth quarter for the Cavs, Dutch Tristan Enaruna tallied three points and one rebound, and French Killian Hayes had two points, two assists, and one steal. Following the first exhibition for both sides in Cleveland, the Bulls and Cavaliers will meet again in Chicago’s United Center on Thursday.
Another close friendly in Target Center, with the Indiana Pacers outlasting the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 135-134. Starting for the hosts, Rudy Gobert went for five points, four rebounds, one block, and one steal, while fellow French teammate Joan Beringer put up four points, and Italian Donte DiVincenzo added three points.
Preparation fixtures stretch until next Friday, before the Regular Season takes over, starting from October 21. The Bulls open at home against the Detroit Pistons, the Cavaliers meet the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, and the Timberwolves face the Portland Trail Blazers in Moda Center on October 22.