Buzelis scores career-high 41 points and hits key 3-pointer in overtime, Bulls beat Warriors 130-124

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Matas Buzelis scored a career-high 41 points and hit a key 3-pointer with 2:20 left in overtime, Josh Giddey had a triple-double of 21 points, 17 assists and 13 rebounds, and the Chicago Bulls beat the undermanned Golden State Warriors 130-124 on Tuesday night.

Chicago’s Jalen Smith converted two free throws with 1.4 seconds left in regulation to send the game into OT, and Tre Jones contributed 22 points for the Bulls, who bounced back from a tough 126-110 loss at Sacramento on Sunday.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 points and blocked four shots and Pat Spencer had 17 points and six assists, but the Warriors missed another chance to give coach Steve Kerr career win No. 600.

Gui Santos made a go-ahead layup with 4:11 left in regulation on the way to 17 points and Spencer scored the next time down. LJ Cryer also contributed 17 points for Golden State, which had big men Al Horford and Porzingis available after both sat out of the team’s 119-116 loss Monday night at Utah.

It marked just the second home game for Porzingis since the Warriors acquired him from Atlanta at the trade deadline last month for Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga.

Porzingis converted a three-point play with 4:52 left in the third quarter that pulled the Warriors within two points, then they took the lead on Cryer's basket the next possession before Porzingis hit a 3.

Golden State completed a road-home back-to-back missing Stephen Curry for a 15th straight game because of a lingering right knee injury. Brother Seth Curry was sidelined to manage sciatica in his left leg and also out were De’Anthony Melton (sore left inner thigh), Moses Moody (sprained right wrist) and Quinten Post (foot soreness).

The Warriors lost their third straight — also third in a row at Chase Center — and fifth of six.

Bulls: Visit the Lakers on Thursday night to continue a five-game West Coast road trip.

Warriors: Host Minnesota on Friday night.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA

Golden State Warriors forward Gui Santos (15) shoots while defended by Chicago Bulls guard Rob Dillingham (7) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr reacts during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Chicago Bulls, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis (7) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski, right, looks for an open teammate while defended by Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey, left, and forward Jalen Smith (25) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones, left, shoots a 3-point basket over Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee Bucks forward Taurean Prince always believed he’d make it back this season after undergoing neck surgery in November.

His coach wasn’t so sure.

“It’s cool because honestly, I didn’t think he would play this year,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday as Prince returned to action for the first time since Nov. 4 in a 129-114 loss to the Phoenix Suns. “The fact that he’s worked the way he’s worked to get back on the floor, it’s all about him and who he is.”

Prince underwent surgery in November to repair a herniated disc in his neck. Prince said he didn’t know of anyone who had undergone this type of surgery and returned to play that same season.

That made him all the more intent on accomplishing the feat, even as he was told his rehabilitation would have to go flawlessly for that to be possible.

“I just always told myself that it would be this season,” Prince said. “I never thought it wouldn't.”

He made that possibility a reality by using the same tenacious approach that has enabled the 31-year-old to build a 10-year NBA career. After making 73 starts for the Bucks in 2024-25, he had played eight games off the bench this season before his injury.

Prince noted he has now undergone three surgeries over the last five years, which helped him in this latest comeback because it gave him some idea of what to expect. He also stayed close to the team even when he wasn't playing, as he helped out any way he could.

“When he got injured, we grabbed him and told him, ‘Welcome to the coaching staff,' because that's basically what he was going to be this year,” Rivers said. “And early on, it did look like that. He was in a brace, couldn't really do anything. Then as his neck started healing, hope came.”

Prince praised his wife and children for helping him through this recovery. He also credited the Bucks for always making him feel a part of the team, even when he couldn't play.

“My jersey was still hung up every game, little things like that,” Prince said. “I was always able to assert myself, still speak my mind in film sessions. I never felt like I was on the outside looking in, which helped a lot.”

Prince also commanded the respect of his teammates.

Center Myles Turner noted that Prince stayed upbeat throughout his recovery. He noted how Prince always was encouraging teammates and typically was among the first people to arrive every day.

“He's been the epitome of what it means to be a professional,” Turner said.

Prince still has to shake off plenty of rust as he works his way back. Prince played 18 minutes Tuesday and pulled down three rebounds, but he missed all four of his shots and went scoreless.

“I was mad about not seeing a 3 go down," Prince said. “Taking life day by day, it is what it is. I can't worry about that starting tomorrow. Get to work, and I'll get one to go down (Thursday) in Miami.”

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Milwaukee Bucks' Taurean Prince gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)

Milwaukee Bucks' Taurean Prince looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash)