Nov 19, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic vents after loss to Nets

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Dec 4, 2025 1:47 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls quickly proved they were fool’s gold after a hot 6-1 record to start the season.

Now, they’re just playing like trash.

Injuries haven’t helped the Bulls’ cause amid a now five-game losing steak. On Wednesday night, a starting five of Matas Buzelis, Julian Phillips, Nikola Vucevic, Ayo Dosunmu, and Josh Giddey were outplayed by a four-win Brooklyn Nets team.

Giddey led the Bulls with 28 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 11 assists, earning another triple-double, but the rest of the starting five and bench didn’t give much offensive production in a 113-103 loss to the Nets in front of 20,633 fans at the United Center.

Vucevic appeared frustrated at several moments during the game, with teammates needing to console the aging center. He finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds, no assists and a team-high six turnovers in 33 minutes on the floor.

Chicago Bulls’ Nikola Vucevic is frustrated

Following the game, Vucevic told the media he was frustrated with his performance against Brooklyn.

“Rough game for me,” Vucevic said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Didn’t play very well and the team didn’t play very well. You get down and you’re losing, frustration is going to show, so part of it. I didn’t have a good game and was frustrated, mainly with myself. I wasn’t doing my job, so that’s it.”

Vucevic’s exposure won’t help the Bulls get more in return for the center before the trade deadline. This team doesn’t look like even a Play-In Tournament team amid significant injuries, and trading away pieces should be priority No. 1 in Chicago.

Vucevic started the season hot but has quickly regressed.

The cardiac Bulls are no more. They’ve collapsed.

Nov 22, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) passes the ball against the Washington Wizards during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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