By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Lithuanian Matas Buzelis has been impressive during the 2024 NBA Preseason, between the court as well as postgame comments.
“I just think of it as another player,” he referred to facing Giannis Antetokounmpo in the exhibition between the Chicago Bulls and the Milwaukee Bucks in Fiserv Forum on Monday.
“I know who he is of course. But when we step on the court, it is 0-0,” added the native of Chicago, an international player with Lithuania at the junior level, “He is a tough cover. He is really strong, tall, athletic, does everything on the court. But I am going to compete all the time.”
Posting a 24-point, 10-rebound double-double, the Freak fueled a friendly win, 111-107, against the Bulls. He made 6/13 two-pointers and 12/16 free throws. The Greek international also dished out four assists. Latvian teammate Anzejs Pasecniks put in four points, five rebounds, and two steals in six minutes.
Buzelis, 20, recorded 15 points, two assists, and two rebounds over 21 minutes in his best showing in the Preseason, a few months after being selected with the 11th pick of the 2024 NBA draft.
Turkish Onuralp Bitim entered the starting lineup of head coach Billy Donovan and tallied five points alongside five rebounds, two steals, and one block. Montenegrin Nikola Vucevic was rested.
In Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Indiana Pacers, 120-116. Spanish Santi Aldama started and chipped in six points, three rebounds, one steal, and one block.
Photo Credit: Getty Images