The Chicago Bulls wasted no time taking control of their game against the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs. Chicago came out firing, hitting seven of their first 10 field goal attempts, including a perfect 3-for-3 start from beyond the arc. Nikola Vucevic contributed six quick points, while Ayo Dosunmu went 2-for-2 to kickstart the offense.
This opening was a prelude to a stellar night for both players. Vucevic led the team with a season-high 39 points, while Dosunmu delivered a season-best 27 points, along with 10 rebounds and 11 assists, marking his first career triple-double. It was the second consecutive game in which a Bulls player recorded a triple-double, following Josh Giddey’s achievement in Monday’s win over the Brooklyn Nets.
Vucevic and Dosunmu spearheaded a Bulls offense that posted a season-high 139 points, shooting an impressive 57.8% from the field and 45.9% from three-point range (17-for-37). Chicago also dished out 36 assists on 52 made shots, with five players recording at least four assists.
Despite turning the ball over 19 times, leading to 33 points for the Spurs, the Bulls excelled defensively in the half-court. San Antonio managed just 28.6% from three and struggled to generate quality looks, with four of their five starters shooting below 50%.
The victory improved Chicago’s record to 10-13, a mark worth watching as the Bulls navigate trade rumors and the risk of losing their first-round pick if they fall below 10th in the draft order. With a rebuild potentially looming, veterans Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, and Vucevic remain prime trade candidates.
Vucevic’s Performance Validates High Trade Value
Vucevic’s 39-point outing reinforces the Bulls’ steep asking price for the veteran center. He has scored 20+ points in 13 games this season and eclipsed the 30-point mark in two of his last three games, shooting 68% or better in each. After a rough 2023-24 season, Vucevic has rebounded impressively, hitting 63.4% of his two-pointers and 47.6% of his threes—massive improvements over last season’s 55% and 29.4%, respectively.
His true shooting percentage has jumped nearly 14 percentage points year-over-year, making him a hot commodity as the February trade deadline approaches. Reports from HoopsHype indicate the Bulls’ asking price for Vucevic is “too high,” but his recent performances justify their stance. League executives value him at two second-round picks, but the Bulls likely want at least a first-rounder in return, especially with Vucevic signed through 2026 on a modest $21.4 million salary next season.
Vucevic’s resurgence has transformed him from a potential salary dump to a key trade piece. If his current form continues, he could spark a bidding war, significantly boosting Chicago’s potential return. The decision to hold onto him and LaVine last season now appears to be paying off, with Vucevic’s stellar performances underscoring the front office’s strategy.
