Nikola Vucevic Delivers on Both Ends as Bulls Survive Pistons Rally in Season Opener

Kevin Lu

Oct 23, 2025, 04:34

Kevin Lu

Oct 23, 2025, 04:34

Updated at: Oct 23, 2025, 05:43

After a successful challenge confirmed Cade Cunningham had fouled Josh Giddey, the Bulls built a 114-111 lead when Giddey knocked down both free throws with 13.8 seconds remaining. Chicago tightened its defense one final time. Cunningham launched a three-pointer that missed, Tobias Harris grabbed the offensive rebound and retrieved to the right corner for the final shot, but the ball bounced off the rim. The player who made the final stop on Harris—and served as the savior all night—was the one who delivered the Bulls their opening-night victory.

That was Nikola Vucevic.

The veteran center anchored Wednesday's 115-111 win over Detroit with a game-high 28 points and 14 rebounds, shining on both ends of the floor when Chicago needed him most. After the Bulls built a commanding 20-point lead in the first half, Vucevic’s two-way impact proved critical as Detroit mounted a furious second-half rally.

Oct 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) fouls Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

It was a performance that answered questions about whether Vucevic still had anything left in the tank. After a busy and intense summer playing for Team Montenegro in the EuroBasket before announcing his national team retirement, he had just one month of rest before flying back to Chicago for the preseason. His unconvincing preseason also raised doubts about whether he could still deliver the level he had for the franchise in the previous three seasons.

And he responded strong on Wednesday night at the United Center.

Vucevic set the tone early, knocking down three three-pointers to help the Bulls jump out to a 35-19 advantage. His shooting touch built an early momentum for the Bulls that stretched Detroit's defense, creating space for Chicago's offense to flourish. By halftime, the Bulls led 68-48, and Vučević was the primary reason why.

But the Pistons clawed back in the second half, trimming the deficit to single digits and eventually tying the game with two minutes remaining. That's when Vucevic took over again. He scored eight fourth-quarter points, including back-to-back floaters in the paint that kept the Bulls ahead when Detroit edged to complete the comeback.

The center wasn't just scoring—he anchored Chicago's defense in the paint, taking on the bulk of the defensive pressure against Detroit's bigs and contesting shots throughout the night. Though he had nothing to do with those Detroit alley-oop bombers, Vucevic’s defensive presence complemented an aggressive Bulls effort that forced Cunningham into tough looks all game.

Remember the 35-year-old said he felt “young” on the media day? His rejuvenated alley-oop connection with Giddey in the third quarter proved his statement. His mobility and willingness to run the floor became a key element of Chicago's up-tempo identity. His post-up jumper late in the fourth, coming off crisp ball movement, gave the Bulls breathing room when the lead shrank to five.

The supporting cast contributed as well. Matas Buzelis took on more responsibility on both ends, showing his versatility with aggressive drives and timely defense. Tre Jones, inserted into the starting lineup to provide a second ball-handler, built momentum in the third quarter with tough drives, deflections, and assists that kept the offense flowing. Patrick Williams hit a crucial three off a Jones assist, and Ayo Dosunmu knocked down a corner triple to extend the lead.

But when the game was on the line, it was Vucevic who answered and wrapped it up tight. His coverage on Harris's corner three in the final seconds sealed the win, capping a performance that proved he remains one of the Bulls' most reliable two-way options.

Thanks to Vucevic, Chicago survived a second-half collapse. The Bulls defended home and collected their first win of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Nikola Vucevic Delivers on Both Ends as Bulls Survive Pistons Rally in Season Opener