By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
He missed eight games in a row after a positive test for COVID-19 and was looking out of rhythm in his first three games back, but Nikola Vucevic delivered a massive performance as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Charlotte Hornets Monday evening.
“I felt like I was getting my rhythm, and then I got COVID and then I had to sit out,” claimed the Montenegrin center, “But obviously tonight was a good game for me. Felt great to make some shots.”
Vucevic, 31, reset his season-high at 30 points. Out of the 12/19 field goals, 6/6 were from beyond the arc, including a late dagger. Beyond scoring, he racked up 14 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks over 35 minutes.
“I have confidence in my game. I have been playing at a high level for a long time. So, I knew it was going to come,” he commented on breaking out of the shooting slump, “Obviously, when you go through struggles, it’s never easy. Especially when feeling like you are letting your team down.”
The Bulls were limited to 1-2 since Vooch was cleared to resume playing action. With 12.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per contest, he was held to 16/38 from the field and knocked down only three out of his 12 three-point attempts. Head coach Billy Donovan had pointed out his team needed to do a better job of setting up Vucevic.
“For me, it was how I can still find my spots,” mentioned the experienced big man, “Where I can be effective within our offense.”
“I feel fine,” he added on recovering after testing positive for coronavirus, “I am just working my way back into shape.”
Overall in the 2021-22 Regular Season, Vucevic has registered 14.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game over 15 appearances. The Bulls stand second in the Eastern Conference on a 14-8 record.
Up next, a couple of road games versus the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, Thursday and Saturday, respectively.
Photo Credit: Getty Images