Clutch Buzelis, Durant Still Making It Look Easy
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The By The Horns podcast dives into the Chicago Bulls' recent four-game homestand, highlighting their 132-point performances against Memphis and Houston, despite splitting the series with losses to Toronto and Cleveland. Hosts Cam Smith and KC Johnson praise the team’s stylistic improvements under Billy Donovan, particularly in ball movement, half-court execution, and reduced turnovers. A major focus is on the continued growth of rookie Modest Buzelis, whose maturity, scoring, rebounding, and defensive presence have stood out—especially in high-pressure moments against Kevin Durant. The episode also celebrates Josh Giddey’s elite playmaking, with 32 assists in two games, and the breakout performances of Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham, who are earning trust through hustle and adaptability. The hosts discuss the NBA’s upcoming expansion to 32 teams, with potential new franchises in Vegas and Seattle, and debate the controversial 65-game rule for MVP and All-NBA eligibility, arguing for lowering it to 55 games to better reflect player impact. The episode closes with anticipation for the Bulls’ upcoming four-game road trip, starting with a tough matchup against the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers.
Modest Buzelis is showing remarkable growth in his second season, with improved decision-making, defensive intensity, and clutch performances against elite players like Kevin Durant.
Josh Giddey is emerging as a true floor general, averaging a career-high 9 assists per game and demonstrating elite playmaking and adaptability with new teammates.
Leonard Miller is proving his value with consistent double-digit scoring, aggressive play, and a strong work ethic, making his $2.4 million team option a smart investment.
The NBA’s 65-game rule for individual awards should be reevaluated—lowering it to 55 games would better recognize players like Cade Cunningham and Nikola Jokic who are impacted by injuries.
The Bulls’ upcoming road trip presents a chance to build momentum against a weakened Sixers team and set up a key matchup with the Thunder, despite ongoing roster uncertainty.
Opening: Toyota Sponsor & Homestand Wrap-Up
The episode opens with a sponsor message from Toyota, followed by a recap of the Bulls’ four-game homestand, including strong offensive performances against Memphis and Houston, and losses to Toronto and Cleveland.
Bulls' Style & Team Growth Under Donovan
Smith and Johnson discuss the Bulls’ improved ball movement, reduced turnovers, and better half-court execution, crediting Billy Donovan’s system and player buy-in despite the team’s current rebuilding phase.
Modest Buzelis: The Maturing Rookie
“He's not backing down. Like, I mean, KD's done that to a lot of defenders. Luka's done that to a lot of defenders. That one... three KD hit from the wing. Step back going right? What are we doing? Come on, that's cheating. That's unguardable, man.”
Kevin Durant: Respect, History, and Humility
“When I walk into any arena, I always look up at the banners, whether it's hockey banners, minor league banners. I've always respected the history of a building, history of an arena.”
Josh Giddey’s Playmaking & Leadership
“He's not just creeping into double figures. He's obliterating double figures. 32 assists in two games. He's not eligible from a games play perspective, but he's third in the league in assists behind Joker and Cade Cunningham.”
“When I walk into any arena, I always look up at the banners, whether it's hockey banners, minor league banners. I've always respected the history of a building, history of an arena.”
“He's not backing down. Like, I mean, KD's done that to a lot of defenders. Luka's done that to a lot of defenders. That one... three KD hit from the wing. Step back going right? What are we doing? Come on, that's cheating. That's unguardable, man.”
“I say 55. I say lower to the 55 and have guys be able to reach that threshold to be eligible for those individual awards.”
Hosts
Chicago Bulls
other
KC Johnson
person
Cam Smith
person
Kevin Durant
person
NBA
organization
Modest Buzelis
person
Josh Giddey
person
Billy Donovan
person
Leonard Miller
person
Rob Dillingham
person
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