Nikola Vucevic shares his regret over missing the last shot attempt: "It didn't end up being a great shot"

Vooch wishes he could have that one back.

© Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

In a loss as close as the one the Chicago Bulls suffered at the hands of the Miami Heat on Saturday night, every detail is magnified. Chicago forward Nikola Vucevic, who had an outstanding night with 12 points and 11 rebounds, missed his potential game-winning layup with seconds remaining in the game, which left the door open for the Miami Heat.

Jimmy Butler capitalized on the opportunity, sinking a midrange jumper before time expired to give Miami a 118-116 victory. Afterward, Vooch rued his shot selection, saying he could have done much better at getting off a better shot attempt.

This courtside angle of Jimmy Butler’s game-winner 🔥

(via @JimmyButler / IG)pic.twitter.com/tzSyCVwzfZ

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 17, 2023

Not a great shot

With the game tied at 116-all, the Bulls regained ball possession with 31 seconds remaining. Chicago got the ball to Vooch at the top of the arc, with Heat big man Kevin Love defending him. Vucevic believed he had gained position on Love with his first step to the basket, but to his credit, Love stayed in step, and Chicago center was forced to take an awkward shot that missed.

“Could have gotten a better look out of (the last one). I thought I had him on the initial (move). I should have taken one more dribble and been a little more patient,” Vooch said.

“It didn’t end up being a great shot, half layup, half left hand hook shot. So, (I) definitely could take that one back and make a better decision. But it is what it is at this point. It’s part of the game. Got to make those plays, and we didn’t tonight; definitely hurts.”

Should have been a traveling violation

According to the NBA’s Last Two Minute report, Vucevic should have been called for a traveling violation prior to his last shot attempt. The report had this to say regarding Vooch’s move:

“Vucevic (CHI) slides his pivot foot prior to releasing his dribble,” read the report.

NBA L2M report says Nikola Vucevic should’ve been called for traveling before starting drive on Kevin Love and lefty shot that he missed before Jimmy Butler’s game-winner.

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 17, 2023

Billy Donovan and Nikola Vucevic lament late mistakes that led to a heartbreaking loss to the Heat