CHICAGO — In a challenging night for the Chicago Bulls, Nikola Vucevic attempted to inject some levity into an otherwise disappointing game against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday.
The two-time All-Star center humorously raised his arms in celebration after making a short hook shot late in the first half, managing to engage the fans briefly. However, that moment did little to lift the spirits of the crowd.
The Bulls suffered a staggering defeat, losing 132-92, marking their largest margin of loss this season. With the trade of two-time All-Star Zach LaVine prior to the deadline, the upcoming weeks could be particularly tough for this team in transition.
Coach Billy Donovan emphasized the importance of accountability in the wake of such a loss. “We have to own it,” he stated. “In situations like this, there are no excuses. It’s essential for the development of some of our younger players.”
Statistically, the Bulls had an off night, setting a franchise record by missing their first 20 attempts from beyond the arc. This eclipsed their previous record of 17 misses in games back in 2004 and 2020. For the evening, they managed just 10 successful 3-pointers out of 47 attempts, resulting in a shooting percentage of 35% overall.
Only two players reached double digits in scoring, with Matas Buzelis leading the team with 12 points, while Josh Giddey followed closely behind with 11. Coby White, who has been averaging nearly 19 points per game, struggled significantly, tallying just five points as he went 2 for 13 from the field, including a dismal 0 for 8 from three-point range.
The night was marked by missed opportunities, as the Bulls didn’t convert a three-pointer until Ayo Dosunmu knocked one down from the wing with just 1:28 left in the first half. Vucevic’s earlier shot briefly cut Detroit’s lead, but overall, the game was a struggle for the team. “We all want to see the ball go through the hoop and we all want to score,” said Vucevic, who ended the night with eight points. “We had some good looks, but just couldn’t make them.”
Currently sitting 10th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-32, the Bulls appear to be in for a rough ride ahead. The team previously parted ways with six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan and Alex Caruso last offseason and made significant changes leading up to the trade deadline, including sending Zach LaVine to Sacramento for 2025 first-round draft rights. Notably, this pick had originally been traded to San Antonio in a deal for DeRozan in 2021.
Nikola Vucevic, now 34 years old, remains a central figure for the Bulls, being one of the first major acquisitions made under executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas when he was brought to Chicago from Orlando during the 2021 deadline. While other stars joined the team afterward, Vucevic and LaVine established what was initially thought to be a foundation for a championship-caliber squad.
“I’m OK,” Vucevic remarked amid the trade rumors surrounding him. “It’s always a challenge to navigate these situations. It’s a period of adjustment for all involved. I simply need to improve.”
The Bulls quickly focused on their next challenge, with a rematch against the Pistons scheduled for Wednesday in Chicago, leaving little time for reflection on this round’s loss.
“I have faith in our team and their characters,” Giddey noted. “We acknowledge what occurred but need to quickly move on to the next game.”
