Key Takeaways

• The Bulls beat the Bucks 132-125, marking their first win of the season, with most starters resting and Buzelis limited to 17 minutes off the bench.
• Coach Tiago Splitter justified benching Buzelis, emphasizing team-focused decisions and downplaying controversy by saying it’s simply basketball, and a downturn in form can lead to reduced minutes.
• To boost the lineup at the end of the game, Splitter inserted Tre Jones and Issac Okoro, while Josh Giddey also sat alongside Buzelis on the bench.
• Buzelis is in a pivotal year as a junior, designed to contribute to Chicago’s transition offense through bursts, shooting, and drives, with a new aim toward more mid-range attempts this season.
• Offseason improvements included muscle development to increase strength, and the presence of Wilson is expected to ease pressure on Buzelis and raise overall complementary play.
• So far this season, Buzelis is averaging 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, solidifying his role even as coaching decisions remain scrutinized.
• The team is preparing for a home opener against the Washington Wizards, framing ongoing adjustments as part of a broader developmental trajectory.