The Bulls kept their momentum rolling Friday night at the United Center, rallying from a fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 121-114 for their second consecutive victory.
Matas Buzelis led the way with 21 points, including 17 in the second half, while adding nine rebounds and a season-high seven assists. Kevin Huerter contributed 20 points as Chicago outscored Orlando 30-19 in the final quarter to climb back to .500 at 17-17.
Nikola Vucevic posted 17 points and 10 rebounds against his former team, and Ayo Dosunmu added 17 points. Six Bulls players reached double figures as Chicago won its second straight game without top scorers Josh Giddey and Coby White, who remain sidelined with injuries suffered Monday against Minnesota.
Paolo Banchero paced Orlando with 31 points, while Anthony Black added 18 for the Magic. Jalen Suggs scored 11 points in his second game back from a hip injury before leaving late in the third quarter with a strained right knee. Desmond Bane contributed 14 points and Wendell Carter Jr. recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The game featured 19 lead changes as neither team could establish control through three quarters. Orlando held a 95-91 advantage entering the fourth, but Chicago seized momentum with a 14-9 run to start the final period. Buzelis knocked down a three-pointer with 7:16 remaining to give the Bulls a 105-102 lead they would not relinquish.
With 22.8 seconds left, Buzelis hit a pair of free throws to extend the Bulls' lead to 119-114. He then secured his ninth rebound and found Isaac Okoro for a game-sealing dunk with four seconds remaining.
The Bulls overcame a difficult start, falling behind by 13 points in the first quarter after Orlando surged on a 14-0 run. Banchero was particularly effective early, scoring 11 of his 13 first-half points in the opening 7:16 while hitting five of his first six shots.
Chicago gradually fought back, pulling even at 59-all by halftime on Huerter's cutting layup. The Bulls' balanced attack proved decisive down the stretch as they continued to thrive despite missing their top two scorers.
Orlando has now played without leading scorer Franz Wagner, who averages 22.7 points per game, since he suffered a high ankle sprain on December 7. The Magic fell to 19-16 with the loss.
KEY STATS
- Final Score: Bulls 121, Magic 114
- Matas Buzelis: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists (17 second-half points)
- Kevin Huerter: 20 points
- Paolo Banchero: 31 points
- Fourth Quarter: Bulls 30, Magic 19
- Lead Changes: 19
UP NEXT
- Bulls: vs Charlotte Hornets, January 3, 2026
- Magic: vs Indiana Pacers, January 4, 2026