League: NBA Sport: Basketball Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Matas Buzelis discusses $10,000 decision during dunk contest

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 5:30 PM

Last updated Jul 31, 2026

Matas Buzelis discusses $10,000 decision during dunk contest

Summary

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis reflected on his strategy during the 2025 NBA Dunk Contest in a recent podcast. Buzelis explained how an offer from AT&T to earn $10,000 for using a particular blue ball influenced his performance. After a missed attempt, he successfully dunked with the special ball but noted concerns over its quality. Witnessing Mac McClung's impressive performance, which featured jumping over a car, ultimately led Buzelis to pursue the cash prize instead of focusing solely on winning the contest. McClung won the contest for a record third consecutive year. With the Bulls drafting Caleb Wilson to enhance their roster, Buzelis aims to solidify his role on the team moving forward.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Buzelis expressed his thoughts during a podcast appearance.
•He earned $10,000 for successfully dunking with a blue ball.
•Buzelis initially struggled with the ball's performance.
•Mac McClung won the dunk contest for the third straight year.
•Buzelis aims to build on his role with the team after the draft.

Latest Updates

5:30 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Let’s Talk About It’ — Bulls Star Matas Buzelis Reveals the $10,000 Decision Behind His Underwhelming Dunk Contest

What they're saying

"
For 50 years, the dunk contest, whether in the ABA or the NBA, has been a part of basketball culture. Names like Julius Erving, Michael Jordan, and now Mac McClung became legendary during the exhibition, drawing millions of fans.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Chicago Bulls Oklahoma City Thunder Philadelphia 76ers NBA Basketball