In a high-energy battle at the United Center, rookie Matas Buzelis emerged as the catalyst for the Chicago Bulls' electrifying 121-114 victory over the Orlando Magic on Friday night, showcasing the team's resilience and depth.

Buzelis delivered a breakthrough performance, scoring 21 points—17 of which came in a decisive second-half surge—and dishing out a season-high seven assists that helped the Bulls climb back to a .500 record (17-17).

With key players Josh Giddey and Coby White sidelined due to injury, the Bulls demonstrated remarkable team spirit. Kevin Huerter complemented Buzelis' heroics by contributing 20 points, while Nikola Vucevic posted a solid double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds.

The game was a seesaw battle featuring 19 lead changes, with the Magic's Paolo Banchero leading the charge early by scoring 11 of his 31 points in the first quarter's opening minutes. However, Chicago's tenacious fourth-quarter performance—outscoring Orlando 30-19—ultimately sealed their second consecutive win.

A dramatic late sequence saw Buzelis hit crucial free throws with 22.8 seconds remaining and then secure a game-sealing rebound that allowed Isaac Okoro to slam home a decisive dunk, electrifying the home crowd.

For the Magic, despite Banchero's impressive 31-point effort and Anthony Black's 18-point contribution, they continued to struggle without their leading scorer Franz Wagner, who has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain on December 7.

The victory marks a significant momentum shift for the Bulls, who showed remarkable team depth and competitive spirit in overcoming early deficits and securing a hard-fought win.