Matas Buzelis, the promising rookie for the Chicago Bulls, has recently hit a challenging rookie wall, as his minutes surged drastically after being promoted to a starter. Averaging only 13.9 minutes in his first 49 games, he jumped to 27.5 minutes in 14 games since February, which has begun to take a toll on his performance. Coach Billy Donovan noted Buzelis's struggles during a recent game against the Indiana Pacers, where he appeared fatigued, contrasting with a more spirited performance against the Brooklyn Nets, despite foul troubles.

Moreover, Buzelis's development is crucial as he navigates the physical demands of the NBA. Donovan emphasized the importance of proper nutrition, hydration, and rest as Buzelis adjusts to playing more substantial minutes. The Bulls, however, are benefitting from other players stepping up, such as Julian Phillips, who scored a career-high 16 points, showcasing the depth of talent on the team.