Chicago Bulls Soar to 4-0 Start Behind Buzelis and Giddey’s Dominant Performances
The Chicago Bulls showcased their early-season prowess with a commanding 126–113 victory against the Sacramento Kings, marking their fourth consecutive win and solidifying their undefeated record at 4–0. This marks the Bulls’ best start since the 2021–22 season and only the fifth time in franchise history that they have opened a campaign with four straight wins.
Buzelis Shines Bright
Rookie sensation Matas Buzelis was the standout performer of the night, leading the Bulls with a stellar 27 points. His offensive arsenal was on full display as he effortlessly navigated through Sacramento’s defense, showcasing his ability to score from both inside and outside the arc. In addition to his scoring prowess, Buzelis contributed five rebounds, two assists, and two steals, demonstrating his versatility and commitment on both ends of the floor.
Buzelis’s performance has quickly made him a fan favorite in Chicago, and his ability to perform under pressure has garnered attention from analysts and opponents alike. As the season progresses, it will be intriguing to see how he continues to develop and adapt to the rigors of the NBA.
Giddey’s Near Triple-Double
Complementing Buzelis’s explosive performance was Josh Giddey, who delivered an impressive near triple-double with 20 points, eight rebounds, and 12 assists. The Australian guard showcased his exceptional court vision and playmaking ability, orchestrating the Bulls’ offense with precision. Giddey’s ability to facilitate plays while also being a scoring threat adds a dynamic layer to Chicago’s offensive strategy.
His contributions were particularly vital in crucial moments of the game, where he found open teammates for easy baskets and kept the Kings’ defense guessing. As Giddey continues to build chemistry with his teammates, fans can expect even more exciting performances throughout the season.
Vučević Anchors the Paint
Veteran center Nikola Vučević provided a strong presence in the paint, contributing significantly to both ends of the floor. With 13 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, Vučević’s well-rounded performance was instrumental in maintaining the Bulls’ momentum throughout the game. His rebounding prowess ensured that Chicago controlled the boards, limiting Sacramento’s second-chance opportunities.
Vučević’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting also opened up driving lanes for his teammates, making him a key component of the Bulls’ offensive scheme. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as the team aims to maintain their early-season success.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, the Chicago Bulls have not only started the season on a high note but have also set a tone for what could be a promising campaign. The combination of young talent like Buzelis and Giddey alongside seasoned players like Vučević creates a balanced roster capable of competing at a high level.
As they look ahead to their next matchup, the Bulls will aim to continue building on their momentum and solidify their status as contenders in the Eastern Conference. Fans are hopeful that this season could mark a turning point for the franchise, as they strive for success in both the regular season and beyond. With their current form, the Bulls are certainly a team to watch as they navigate through the challenges of the NBA season.
Ex-Celtics Guard Hires Trump Lawyer to Fight NBA Gambling Charges
Former Boston Celtics guard and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups has hired one of the nation’s most prominent defense attorneys to battle federal gambling charges that have rocked the NBA — and tied three former Celtics to the league’s biggest integrity scandal in years.
According to The Athletic, Billups has hired Marc Mukasey, a high-profile trial lawyer who has represented former U.S. President Donald Trump, to handle his defense against wire-fraud and money-laundering conspiracy charges.
Billups Turns to Prominent White-Collar Defense Attorney
Mukasey, a former federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York and the son of ex-U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey, is widely regarded as one of America’s top courtroom strategists in financial and corporate cases.
According to The Athletic report, Mukasey previously defended Navy SEAL Edward Gallagher, who was acquitted of murder in 2019, and FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried during sentencing in his multibillion-dollar fraud case. Mukasey also served as a legal adviser to Rudy Giuliani’s 2007 presidential campaign and represented Joe Sanberg, co-founder of fintech firm Aspiration, in an NBA-related salary-cap case involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. Sanberg later pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud after admitting to defrauding investors of $248 million.
Now, Mukasey is representing Billups — the 2004 NBA Finals MVP and current Portland Trail Blazers head coach — as he faces potentially career-defining criminal charges.
Federal Allegations and Celtics Connection
In the indictments reviewed by
The 49-year-old coach, arrested in Oregon, has been placed on administrative leave by the Trail Blazers while the case proceeds. His former attorney, Chris Heywood, said last week that Billups “would not jeopardize” his Hall-of-Fame legacy, his reputation and freedom.
Two other former Celtics — Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former NBA player Damon Jones — are also implicated in the widening probe. Prosecutors allege Rozier shared private injury information with a friend who then profited from insider bets, while Jones allegedly helped facilitate the illegal gambling ring.
From Boston Lottery Pick to Hall of Fame Player
Getty 25 Jun 1997: Guard Chauncey Billups of the Boston Celtics shakes hands with NBA Commissioner David Stern during the NBA Draft at the Charlotte Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Billups began his NBA career in Boston, drafted third overall by the Celtics in 1997, before going on to win a championship with the Detroit Pistons and earning the nickname “Mr. Big Shot.” He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield in 2024, a crowning moment for one of the league’s most respected figures.
Rozier, beloved by Celtics fans from 2015 to 2019, helped Boston reach the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, while Jones had a brief stint with the franchise during the 1998–99 season. Their shared ties to Boston have given the scandal an unsettling familiarity for local fans.
Badminton Betting Ban Mirrors NBA Investigation
The NBA’s ongoing gambling scandal comes as other global sports face similar integrity challenges. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recently banned former Danish player and coach Joachim Persson for four years after he was filmed placing live bets courtside during a 2023 Japan Open match, according to
The similarities between the two cases are striking. Both involve allegations that individuals used insider access and confidential information for betting purposes. The incidents highlight the mounting challenge of maintaining sports integrity amid the rapid expansion of legalized gambling worldwide.
A Hall-of-Fame Legacy Under Scrutiny
For Billups, who spent part of his formative NBA years in Boston, the charges threaten to overshadow a Hall-of-Fame career defined by leadership and professionalism.
If convicted, Billups could face up to 20 years in prison per count, along with the potential loss of his coaching position and damage to his legacy.
The NBA continues to cooperate with federal authorities as the investigation broadens — with Boston fans watching uneasily as three familiar names fight to protect their reputations.
