Chicago Bulls: 2 studs, 1 dud, from closer than expected win over Magic

Studs from Chicago Bulls close win over the Magic: Nikola Vucevic

The first stud up on the list definitely wasn’t an easy choice here for the Bulls. Each star in the Bulls’ big three did come through providing value in their own way to get this closer than expected win over the Magic. But each also had their own flaws in this game. DeRozan was having issues at the free-throw line.

He also had a costly turnover where he tried to take on a double-team by himself late in this game.

LaVine was cold shooting from the field throughout much of this game. And he turned the ball over too many times trying to do too much himself.

And even star center Nikola Vucevic didn’t have his best night shooting from the field. But there were enough other areas in this game where Vucevic provided value for him to get the nod as the first stud up on this list.

Vucevic gave the Bulls 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field, 1-of-3 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-2 from the free-throw line. He also came up with a game-high 17 rebounds (two of which were offensive boards), one assist, two steals, two blocks, and two turnovers.

There were many important contributions that Vucevic provided the Bulls late in this game that are easy to gloss over. He had a key block late in this game that was nearly called a blocking foul on Terrence Ross. Two incredibly important rebounds were also Vucevic’s for the taking late in this game, including one on the offensive glass.

All in all, when Vucevic is helping to turn the tide of momentum in this many other ways besides scoring production for the Bulls, he’s still getting the job done in some regard.