3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls' dominant win over the Golden State Warriors
Sunday night was a good night for the Chicago Bulls on so many levels. They defeated the reigning NBA champions, 132-118, to snap a three-game losing streak and improve to 20-24. They also won against Golden State for the first time since 2017, breaking an 11-game losing streak against the Warriors. Here are three takeaways from the Bulls' dominant win over the Golden State Warriors.
Vucevic's big night
The odds were stacked against the Bulls, as the Dubs came into the United Center with a healthy roster featuring the likes of superstars Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. And with the Bulls' leading scorer, DeMar DeRozan, missing his third game in a row due to a strained quad, it looked like it would be a long night. But one player stepped up in a big way to lead the Bulls to victory – Nikola Vucevic.
“Vooch” had an explosive performance, finishing with 43 points on 18-31 shooting from the field and 5-10 from three-point range. He also added 13 rebounds and four steals in a brilliant all-around performance.
“I got going really early,” Vucevic said. “You just feel it. It’s hard to explain, just the feeling that’s in yourself. You just get this feeling that’s within yourself that it’s kinda gonna be your night, and you just play and play off your teammates.”
Great ball movement
While the Bulls did not win the assist battle (29-35), Chicago played unselfish basketball and had great ball movement throughout the night, resulting in a number of open looks. The Bulls' starters were more than happy sharing the rock, out-assisting their counterparts, 25-19.
“Tonight what I thought really made a difference, the reason why I was able to get going was because we really moved the ball,” said Vucevic.
Warriors' road woes continue
Fresh off a rousing win over the San Antonio Spurs, the Warriors reverted to their old habits, surrendering 132 points and allowing the Bulls to shoot 50 percent from the field. The loss marked the Warriors' 17th defeat in 21 road games this season and confirmed Golden State's struggles away from home.
The Bulls are off to Paris, France, where they'll be taking on the Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
