Nikola Vucevic Dominates, A Balanced Attack, Off to Paris, and Other Bulls Bullets

Guess what? The Chicago Bulls followed up a three-game losing streak by beating the defending champions by 14 points.

Now, they’ll head to Paris for a matchup with the 12-win Detroit Pistons. Does the whole losing to trash teams translate overseas or can they avoid completely embarrassing themselves on the international stage?

I can’t wait to find out (jk … I can wait)!

  • The Chicago Bulls kept it simple. After Nikola Vucevic started the night 5-7 in the first quarter with 12 points, they kept the ball headed in his direction. The big man gained steam as the night went on, shooting a season-high 31 shots to tie his career-high 43 points. He sank 10 of his 14 shots within 9ft of the basket, taking full advantage of a small Warriors team relying on Kevon Looney and Draymond Green to man the frontcourt.
  • The performance was undoubtedly encouraging when we consider how much these Bulls’ guards have struggled recently to get Vucevic the ball in his spots. The lack of a real point guard has arguably shown up most in this way, as botched entry passes and skipped mismatches have left a lot of potentially easy buckets off the scoreboard. But Vucevic reminded his teammates just how effortless some games can be if he’s given an opportunity to feast. Remember: You don’t become a two-time All-Star by accident.
  • The scoring column wasn’t the only way Vucevic left his mark, though. He scooped up 13 rebounds (four of which were on the offensive end), 4 assists, and 4 steals to go along with just one turnover. It was truly the kind of dominant, well-rounded, and aggressive performance the Bulls needed after a three-game skid.
  • The question now is whether or not the Bulls have found a new recipe for success. While the size advantage is undoubtedly part of this winning equation, there is probably a case to be made for playing through Vucevic even more often. Not only is he a gifted scorer, but it’s his ability to take advantage of spacing and generate open shots with his connective passing that makes him such a truly versatile offensive threat. Whether it be LaVine in attack mode or DeRozan hunting ISO possessions, this team can sometimes fall into a trap of leaving Vucevic out of the equation.
  • The Bulls looked completely comfortable playing off their big man. Three players finished the night with 6 or more assists and each starter finished inside double figures. Coby White also joined with his own 15 points off the bench in a 6-7 performance. That now makes it three straight games that White has finished with 13 or more points. I’m sure the Bulls’ front office – who has reportedly had their fair share of trade talks revolving around White – is happy to see him surging midway through this season.
  • Chicago’s defense also rose to the occasion. The slow-moving lets we saw over the past handful of games were replaced with active hands and quick feet. The Warriors turned the ball over 23 times to the Bulls’ 10, allowing LaVine and Co. to score 19 points off those TOVs. While the Warriors still shot 49.4 percent from the field, the Bulls still deserve a lot of credit for staying engaged on both ends.
  • Speaking of which, Alex Caruso is just so awesome …
  • We’ll talk more about this big performance against the Warriors over the next couple of days. The Bulls do not play again until Thursday as they get settled for a highly-anticipated Paris game. According to plenty of posts from the team’s social accounts, they boarded the plane after last night’s game with lots of smiles …
  • PLAY DALEN IN PARIS!
  • One big reason I would love to see DeMar DeRozan stick around: He’s one heck of a veteran to have in that locker room.
  • https://twitter.com/Ballislife/status/1614988341677637632?s=20

  • Joakim Noah out there supporting the boys!
  • Happy MLK Day.
  • I’d say so.
  • Works for me!
  • written by

    Elias Schuster is the Lead Chicago Bulls writer at Bleacher Nation. He started with BN full-time in 2019 immediately after graduating from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a degree in Journalism (yes, he started with the Jim Boylen Era). Since joining, Elias has been the driving force behind Bulls and NBA content for both the site and social accounts. You can follow him on Twitter/X @Schuster_Elias.

    more bulls news

    We Now Know Where the Chicago Bulls are Picking in the 2024 NBA Draft

    The ping pong balls have spoken. The Bulls didn't budge during Sunday afternoon's drawing in Chicago. The team will remain at the No. 11 spot in the lottery this June after having just a 2.0 percent chance to steal the...

    What are the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery Odds?

    The NBA Draft Lottery has arrived. Despite the lackluster nature of this year's prospect pool, this remains a highly-anticipated day for teams around the league. The truth of the matter is that the opportunity to snag a high pick is...

    Release the Ping Pong Balls, Second Round Picks, MJ’s 3-Point Shooting, and Other Bulls Bullets

    If there was an Equipment Manager of the Year award, I think my aunt might deserve it. Having to leave at about 5 a.m. to drive to my sibling's college graduation on Saturday, I may have kinda sorta broken my...

    Missing Meaningful Basketball, Ant & MJ, Epic Pacers & Knicks Series, And Other Bulls Bullets

    These NBA Playoffs have been a lot of fun. The Knicks and Pacers have given us three straight phenomenal basketball games with electric crowds. Anthony Edwards' emergence in Minnesota has been unreal to watch. Night after night we just get...

    If the Bulls Get Some Lottery Luck, These Names Are Worth Considering

    The Chicago Bulls are only a couple of days away from learning their draft lottery fate. The team will enter Sunday night's drawing with the 11th-best odds in the NBA. This means they have just a 9.4 percent chance to...

    Chicago Sky Tickets Won’t Come Cheap This Season!

    Checking out the Chicago Sky's new draft picks isn't going to come cheap. According to Bookies dot com, the Sky will be the third-most expensive WNBA game to see this season. Adam Thompson mapped out the price of admission for...

    Draft Lottery Rep, Is Anyone Untouchable? Next Star to be Traded? And Other Bulls Bullets

    Rumor has it that if you put a ping pong ball under your pillow, the Chicago Bulls will win the lottery on Sunday. Might as well try! The team announced on Friday morning that second-year forward Julian Pillips will represent...

    Suns Reportedly Set to Hire Mike Budenholzer as Next Head Coach

    The Phoenix Suns are reportedly close to hiring their new head coach. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported on Friday morning that Mike Budenholzer is expected to work out a deal with the franchise. The contract could be approaching the eight-figure...

    Why You Should Keep Your Phone on Silent

    Luka Doncic's postgame press conference started off with a bang. On Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 to even up the series. Sitting down to address reporters after the game, a very...

    Patrick Beverley’s Punishment Handed Down by the NBA

    Following his inappropriate antics after the Bucks' Game 6 and series loss to the Indiana Pacers last week, the NBA has punished Patrick Beverley. The former Bulls' guard has been suspended for four games by the league for throwing a...

    Latest News

    How to Watch Athletics Games: Full 2024 Schedule, Live Stream and More

    It's a bittersweet season for the Oakland Athletics. As they prepare to begin their move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season, the A's are looking to make their final year at the Coliseum one to remember. With a little...

    How to Watch Angels vs. Cardinals: Live Stream or on TV

    Jose Soriano will take the ball for the Los Angeles Angels (15-26) when they host starter Matthew Liberatore and the St. Louis Cardinals (16-24) on Monday, with first pitch at 9:38 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you...

    Mariners vs. Royals: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

    On Monday at 9:40 PM ET, Josh Rojas and the Seattle Mariners (22-19) play Bobby Witt Jr. and the Kansas City Royals (25-17) at T-Mobile Park.If you're trying to watch this game, keep reading for streaming and TV options for...

    How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Reds: Live Stream or on TV

    The Arizona Diamondbacks (19-22), who will give the ball to Jordan Montgomery, host the Cincinnati Reds (17-23) with Graham Ashcraft on the hill, Monday at 9:40 PM ET.The article below will give you everything you need to know to watch...

    Padres vs. Rockies: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The San Diego Padres (22-21), who will give the ball to Randy Vasquez, host the Colorado Rockies (12-28) with Dakota Hudson on the hill, Monday at 9:40 PM ET.See how to watch the San Diego-Colorado matchup below.When is Padres vs....

    Dodgers vs. Giants: Free Live Stream, TV Channel, How to Watch

    The Los Angeles Dodgers (27-15), led by Mookie Betts, visit Michael Conforto and the San Francisco Giants (19-23) at 9:45 PM ET on Monday.The article below will provide you with everything you need to watch Los Angeles take on San...

    Texas Rangers vs. Cleveland Guardians Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    In the first of a three-game series, on Monday, May 13 at 8:05 PM ET, the Texas Rangers will host the Cleveland Guardians.Rangers vs. Guardians Series Info Guardians @ Rangers Time: Monday, May 13 at 8:05 PM ET Rangers Starting...

    San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Monday, May 13 at 9:45 PM ET, a three-game series between the San Francisco Giants and the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers will get underway.Giants vs. Dodgers Series Info Dodgers @ Giants Time: Monday, May 13 at 9:45 PM ET...

    Seattle Mariners vs. Kansas City Royals Series May 13-15: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Monday, May 13 at 9:40 PM ET, a three-game series featuring the Seattle Mariners and the visiting Kansas City Royals will begin.Mariners vs. Royals Series Info Royals @ Mariners Time: Monday, May 13 at 9:40 PM ET Mariners Starting...

    Houston Astros vs. Oakland Athletics Series May 13-16: Odds, Starting Pitchers & Predictions

    On Monday, May 13 at 8:10 PM ET, a four-game series between the Houston Astros and the visiting Oakland Athletics will begin.Astros vs. Athletics Series Info Athletics @ Astros Time: Monday, May 13 at 8:10 PM ET Astros Starting Pitcher:...

    more bulls news