Huerter’s Buzzer-Beater Honors Rose as Bulls Top Celtics

Derrick Rose Day in Chicago ended with a moment worthy of the occasion. Kevin Huerter buried a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing a 114–111 victory for the Bulls over the Boston Celtics on Saturday night and sending the United Center into celebration.

The win carried both symbolic and practical significance. It came on a night honoring one of the franchise’s most beloved stars and moved Chicago above .500 at 23–22 for the first time in two months.

Huerter’s clutch shot capped a balanced team effort and delivered one of the Bulls’ most memorable moments of the season. It also gave Chicago a morale boost as it continues to climb back into playoff contention.

Afterward, Huerter reflected on the moment and connected it to Rose’s legacy, drawing a direct line between his own buzzer-beater and one of the defining shots in Bulls history.

1. Huerter’s Clutch Tribute

Speaking with K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network, Huerter admitted that Rose’s famous celebration crossed his mind as his shot fell through the net. The reference was to Rose’s iconic game-winner in Game 3 of the 2015 Eastern Conference semifinals against Cleveland. “I was thinking about doing the celebration of D Rose falling into teammates,” Huerter said, recalling the image of Rose collapsing into his teammates after that postseason dagger. Though he ultimately kept his reaction subdued, the thought underscored how much the moment meant to him, given the setting and the player being honored. Huerter finished with 12 points and six rebounds, modest numbers by his standards, but his final shot defined the game and etched his name into a night that will be remembered by Bulls fans.

2. Balanced Effort Lifts Chicago

While Huerter delivered the decisive play, the Bulls’ victory was built on depth and distribution. Eight Chicago players scored in double figures, a testament to a collective performance that kept Boston at bay throughout the night. Coby White led the way with 22 points, five three-pointers, and seven assists, controlling the tempo and providing consistent scoring. Nikola Vučević added 16 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, anchoring the frontcourt with steady production. Jalen Smith chipped in 14 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Matas Buzelis contributed 14 points, eight boards, and five assists. Isaac Okoro rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points and two rebounds. For Huerter, the night marked his 40th game of the season, and he is averaging 11.8 points per game. His late heroics complemented a performance that reflected the Bulls’ improving chemistry and balance.

3. Injuries, Adjustments, and What’s Next

Boston, meanwhile, had to navigate roster limitations. Josh Giddey scored 24 points but managed only four in the second half as he continues to work back from a hamstring injury under restricted minutes. The Bulls are also dealing with injury concerns. Tre Jones is expected to miss the next two weeks with a hamstring issue, thinning Chicago’s backcourt rotation. Despite those challenges, the Bulls are building momentum at a pivotal point in the season. The victory over Boston provided both confidence and validation as they push toward playoff positioning. Chicago’s schedule remains demanding. The Bulls will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday before playing a make-up game against the Miami Heat on Thursday, a contest that was postponed from January 8 due to unsafe conditions.