Watch: Nikola Vucevic hammers a vicious slam home
Nikola Vucevic is best known for his ability to stretch defenses with his outside shooting. On a few occasions, he can also make an impact with plays like these:
CLEAR THE RUNWAY FOR VOOCH ✈️
@NikolaVucevic | @NBCSChicago https://t.co/54kjBYqz86
The dunk was crucial in giving the Bulls the win as it came with just a little over a minute left in the second overtime. Vucevic's dunk and free-throw gave Chicago a five-point cushion that was just enough to bring home the victory.
Nikola Vucevic played 46 minutes and finished with 21 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and three blocks. His highlight reel slam was perhaps the turning point of the game as it definitively swung the momentum to the Bulls.
"Vooch" struggled with his shots inside the paint in the presence of three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert. He made 2-3 shots from behind the arc, which pushed Gobert to go out and spend time guarding the Bulls' starting center in the perimeter.
Vucevic is probably past his All-Star prime, but he is crucial to the Bulls' success. He is averaging 17.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 68 games. "Vooch" is also hitting 50.9% of his shots, including 34.6% from deep.
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Nikola Vucevic and the Chicago Bulls kept their playoff hopes alive with tonight's win
The Chicago Bulls now hold a 32-37 record following tonight's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. They're now momentarily in sole position of the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference and the last play-in ticket.
After last year's incredible finish where they landed sixth in their conference with a 46-36 record, Chicago has struggled badly this season. At one point, they were 11-18 and hardly looked like they were going to turn their season around.
The Bulls had a recent six-game losing streak in early February but have bounced back in the stretch run of the season. They're 6-4 in their last 10 games and are hoping to make the playoffs via the play-in tournament.
DOUBLE OT WINS HIT DIFFERENT 🔥 https://t.co/TKAs5nExRY
Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine are desperately pushing the team to another postseason appearance. DeRozan had a game-high 49 points with 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals.
LaVine supported him with 39 points, four rebounds and five assists. The Chicago Bulls' trio dropped 109 of the team's 139 points. They will need to maintain this level of performance for them to have a chance of punching a play-in ticket.
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