"I just think our energy has been different" - Nikola Vucevic says of the Chicago Bulls' recent play

Vucevic says the Bulls have a different vibe this time around.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls are enjoying a vibe far different from the bleak one they began the 2023 season with. Of course, with winning comes a newfound confidence and energy, something that the Bulls have been gradually cultivating as they have strung up six wins in their last nine games, including an impressive 108-104 win over the Philadelphia 76ers last Monday.

Contagious positive energy

It’s evident the Bulls are clicking right now. Whether it’s unselfish ball movement or spot-on defensive rotations, the Bulls are playing with an extra bit of excitement and purpose, which has helped them rise the Eastern Conference ladder.

“We’ve been enjoying playing,” starting big man Nikola Vucevic said.

“Each night, it’s a different guy stepping up. All of us are supporting each other. You can just feel that. And when you play that way, it’s contagious and just brings out positive energy, and guys enjoy playing with each other.”

VOOOOOOOCH 😮‍💨@NikolaVucevic | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/RhjXiXYtFq

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 19, 2023

Getting everybody involved

While the ball usually landed in the hands of one of the team’s “Big 3” and stayed there an extra second or two, the Bulls have been sharing it these past few weeks. With ascendant guard Coby White leading the attack and veterans like Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso providing crucial support, Chicago’s offense is starting to hum.

“We haven’t been as stagnant as we were early on. We’ve been getting downhill, finding the open guy, making the extra pass. That’s how you get everybody involved. The ball is going to find the main scorers, and it’s our job to find everyone else and involve everyone, and it’s contagious when you do,” Vooch shared.

Despite their recent success, the Bulls know they still have much catching up to do if they want to make it to the NBA Playoffs this season. But with the team’s continued commitment to playing smart, aggressive basketball, they are confident that anything is possible.

“There’s a lot of work ahead, but a good first step, and we understand this is the only way it’s going to work for us, and we have to stay with it,” Vucevic continued.

3 piece.@NBCSChicago | #SeeRed️ pic.twitter.com/R8ttcNdqBw

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 19, 2023

Billy Donovan says the Chicago Bulls’ faster pace is helping Nikola Vucevic flourish