The Chicago Bulls kicked off their 2025-26 NBA season with a hard-fought 115-111 victory over the Detroit Pistons, powered by a stellar performance from veteran center Nikola Vucevic. The 35-year-old big man led all scorers with 28 points on an efficient 11-for-18 shooting from the field, while also securing 14 rebounds in 33 minutes of play. Vucevic’s dominant showing served as a bold reminder of his enduring prowess, and he didn’t mince words when addressing doubters postgame.
“I don’t understand why guys keep asking me these questions. I haven’t shown any signs of slowing down,” Vucevic declared, as reported by CHGO Bulls. “I take a lot of pride in the work I put in and to be out there and play the best I can.” His performance against the Pistons was a testament to his relentless work ethic and versatility, proving that age is just a number for the two-time All-Star.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was equally impressed by Vucevic’s output, praising his ability to remain effective despite the demands of heavy minutes. “It’s pretty impressive at his age for him to play the minutes he played tonight, and play them effectively and productively,” Donovan said. “It’s great because he’s so good at moving the ball. He’s one of those guys that can score on three different levels. I personally think with the conditioning, he can play for a long time.”
Vucevic’s impact extended beyond scoring and rebounding, as his playmaking and court vision helped the Bulls navigate a challenging game, especially with key guard Coby White sidelined due to injury. The team leaned on contributions from a supporting cast that included Josh Giddey, Kevin Huerter, Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones, and rookie standout Matas Buzelis, who stole the spotlight with a highlight-reel moment.
Buzelis, the Bulls’ promising young forward, electrified the United Center with a thunderous poster dunk over Pistons center Isaiah Stewart in the fourth quarter. The play, which Vucevic dubbed Buzelis’ “first legit poster” of his NBA career, underscored the rookie’s athleticism and fearlessness. “I’m very proud of Matas. He became a man tonight,” Vucevic said with a grin, per Cody Westerlund of 670 The Score. “He tried to claim he dunked on D’Angelo Russell or something last year, but I’m like, ‘Matas, you’re like two feet bigger than him.’”
Buzelis finished the game as the Bulls’ second-leading scorer, contributing 21 points, six rebounds, and three blocks on 7-for-12 shooting in 34 minutes. His performance, paired with Vucevic’s veteran leadership, highlighted the blend of youth and experience that Chicago hopes will propel them forward this season.
The Bulls’ opening-night win sets a promising tone for their campaign, with Vucevic anchoring the frontcourt and emerging talents like Buzelis adding flair and energy. As Vucevic continues to defy expectations and silence critics, his performance against Detroit sends a clear message to the league: he’s still a force to be reckoned with, and the Bulls are ready to compete.
With a challenging schedule ahead, Chicago will need Vucevic’s consistency and the continued growth of their young core to build on this early success. If opening night is any indication, the Bulls—and their veteran center—are poised to make plenty of noise in the 2025-26 season.