Chicago Bulls: 3 adjustments to make for Game 2 vs Bucks

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 17: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls speaks with referee Tony Brothers #25 during the second half of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on April 17, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

2. Establish Vucevic in the Post

Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls in scoring in Game 1, but did so on 27 shot attempts. Not ideal.

Six of Vucevic’s nine makes in Game 1 came inside the paint. He was able to back down whoever was guarding him at will and get quality looks at the rim. When he didn’t get a clean look at the rim, he did a phenomenal job of finding the Bulls’ shooters and cutters.

Throughout his career, he has shown that he’s an elite post-up option. The Bulls used to utilize him down low often. Throughout the second half of the season, we’ve seen the Bulls go away from looking for Vooch down low before initiating the pick-and-roll. Instead, as soon as DeRozan crosses half court, he’s calling for the screen.

Vucevic got some of his early looks off of rebounds, but the majority of his paint buckets came off of finds from LaVine and Caruso.

He was aggressive from the start of the game and still connected on three jump shots. His jumper is typically in better rhythm when he gets a groove going down low, however. He went 6-of-11 in the paint and 4-of-14 from outside the paint.

Playing him inside-out as opposed to outside-in is clearly a better option and should be a top priority for the Bulls in Game 2.

Home/Bulls News