Nikola Vucevic’s 24 points and 16 rebounds powered the Chicago Bulls to a 122-116 comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs during Saturday’s NBA action, despite a career-best 30 points from Tre Jones.
The Bulls finished strong with an 8-1 run in the game’s final moments, highlighted by Vucevic’s crucial three-pointer that put Chicago ahead with just 32 seconds left.
“It always feels good to hit a big shot at the end of the game,” Vucevic said. “I was really happy I made a shot, but I was more happy I helped us win a game. We came up with a big, big win for us on the road.”
The Spurs chose to rest Victor Wembanyama, the top draft pick, as a precaution following a sprained ankle he suffered in December. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich indicated Wembanyama would be re-evaluated soon but wouldn’t play in both games of an upcoming back-to-back.
Ayo Dosunmu and DeMar DeRozan were significant contributors for Chicago, scoring 21 and 20 points, respectively. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, but San Antonio’s winning streak was halted at two games.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Jones, usually known for his playmaking, surprised with his shooting prowess, hitting four 3-pointers, primarily in the first half. His performance stood out on a night when Devin Vassell, the team’s second-leading scorer, struggled, managing only five points.
“Shots were open, and I took them and made them,” Jones said. “It wasn’t anything specific. They were playing off of me a lot. Obviously, they know I like to pass and get my teammates involved. So, I was just trying to take my shot when it was there, make them respect it and play out of that. My shot was feeling good and going in, so that’s always a good feeling.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
The Spurs made a notable 12-0 run in the third quarter, but their lead evaporated in the fourth quarter as they missed key shots down the stretch. Popovich praised the team’s consistent effort in recent games, expressing confidence in their future performance.
“This is the fifth game in a row where they’ve played like this and played well enough to win a game,” Popovich said. “Starting with (two close losses against) Milwaukee then Cleveland and the two wins and tonight. We are showing more consistency. Down the stretch, experienced guys probably feel a little more comfortable shooting those 3s, but we had the same ones. Eventually, they’ll fall.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls, Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs Updates
Chicago’s first-quarter 16-5 run set the tone for the game, with the Bulls playing in a style praised by coach Billy Donovan, emphasizing ball sharing and shot generation.
“I feel like we’re getting better,” Donovan said. “I really do. I think we are playing stylistically how I’d like to see us play, how I think the game should be played. We’re sharing the ball. We’re trying to generate shots. We’re scoring more points.”
This game marked a rare third regular-season meeting between the Bulls from the Eastern Conference and the Spurs from the West, brought about by the inaugural In-Season Tournament.
Looking ahead, the Bulls are set to face Cleveland on Monday, while the Spurs will take on Atlanta.
