"I try to always impact the game, because you never know who’s watching," Durant said Saturday night in Chicago.

Matas Buzelis attacked Saturday’s matchup against Kevin Durant with his signature intensity — and earned praise from the NBA superstar as a result.

Matas Buzelis has impressed many people throughout his rookie campaign with the Bulls, and gained another fan in Kevin Durant.

With the 11th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls took a flyer on Matas Buzelis out of G League Ignite. The 6-foot-10 forward has a deep skillset but has not gotten the expected opportunity in his rookie season.

Kevin Durant is off the injury report and is expected to play against the Chicago Bulls on Friday at the United Center.

Despite the Bulls' 121-117 loss to the Suns, Buzelis' performance caught the attention of Suns superstar Kevin Durant. Durant, who had a firsthand look at Buzelis during the game, praised the young forward's skills and potential.

Durant logged his fourth double-double of the season Saturday and his first since Dec. 31. He's shot at least 60 percent from the field in the four games since returning from a three-game absence due to a left ankle sprain. Over that span, Durant has averaged 30.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.5 blocks over 40.5 minutes per game.

in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) takes a free throw during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Phoenix Suns forward Kevin ...

“I like Matas,” Kevin Durant said, according to a post from K.C. Johnson. “I liked him when he was with G League Ignite. He's long, athletic, can shoot it. He's definitely going to have some bumps and bruises as he gets through his first few years in the league trying to figure things out.”

Dwayne Wade was overlooked by the Miami Heat for Hassan Whiteside, which led to Wade leaving for the Chicago Bulls in 2016. The Heat prioritized signi

Both the Chicago Bulls and the Phoenix Suns are on steep downward trajectories heading into their game. The Bulls have lost five on the trot and do not seem to be particularly focused on winning, having traded Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. On the other hand, the Suns are on a four-game losing streak.