Home Sport “With everyone in a lot better place lately, it’s benefited our team,” Nikola Vucevic said in reference to the Chicago Bulls’ recent 4-1 run.

“With everyone in a lot better place lately, it’s benefited our team,” Nikola Vucevic said in reference to the Chicago Bulls’ recent 4-1 run.

Sport — 15/01/2024 · 0 Comment

As the saying goes, “Winning cures all,” and that couldn’t be truer for the Chicago Bulls. After a rough start to the season, the team has turned things around and is currently riding a stretch, wherein they’ve won four of their last four games, to stand in ninth place in the Eastern Conference with a 19-22 record.

Better place overall

The team was headed towards nowhere in late November. After getting blasted by the Boston Celtics by 27 points, 124-97, the Bulls stood at 5-14. Add to that the foot injury suffered by All-Star Zach LaVine, and things were looking bleak for the team.

However, fast-forward to January, things have taken a complete 180-degree turn. The Bulls are now in the playoff hunt. And it’s not just about their recent record but how they’ve been playing that has impressed fans and experts alike. The Bulls are focused on moving the ball from side to side and making quick decisions, often leading to open jumpers and layups.

In short, everybody’s eating at the table now, which has led to better ball movement and chemistry.

“I think everybody has been in a much better place lately, and it’s helped our team. I think you can see it with the way we’ve been playing out there. Some games, it’s one guy, some other games, someone else is stepping up, and it doesn’t matter. We’re going to have guys scoring. Lately, I’ve been feeling much better out there playing with more confidence and enjoying it more,” Vucevic said.

The unselfishness was displayed in a crucial play down the stretch of the Bulls’ 122-116 win over the San Antonio Spurs. With the Bulls clinging to a 117-116 lead, DeMar DeRozan drove into the teeth of the Spurs’ defense and drew three defenders before kicking the ball out to a wide-open Vooch, who canned a corner triple to put the game away.

Functioning as the Bulls’ fulcrum

Vooch added that he’s enjoying being utilized these days as a facilitator. With the ball in his hands at the mid-post, Vucevic can see the entire court and make quick decisions as key in on him.

“Lately, it’s been better for me as well,” Vooch added.

“Many ways I can really be useful for this team. Not only just scoring, but my playmaking, using me as a guide (so) I can make plays for others. Whether it’s when I flash and catch the ball and play off that movement, pick-and-rolls, in pockets, post, whatever it is.”