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With four “play-in” matches on the clock, the Bulls are among the franchises most used to this new format established in 2020. In 2023 and 2024, Nikola Vucevic And his band have stopped on the same team each time: Miami.
And in 2025, Chicago faces… Heat! So, never two without three?
“Last season, we didn't play well, not well at all, we had no chance. In 2023, they took control of the game at the end, in 45 seconds or a minute ”, recall Nikola Vucevic. “But it's different this season. The two teams are different, the players have changed so you have to look at things differently. »»
3-0 for Chicago in the regular season
The Bulls then had Zach Lavine and Demar Deroean when the Heat could count on Jimmy Butler. These three All-Stars will not be present in Chicago on Wednesday evening. And this is also a difference from the two previous occurrences: the meeting will be played at the United Center, and no longer in Florida.
“It shouldn't necessarily look like last season. We have managed to do well this season, but we are aware that it is a very well coached team, with players who have played the finals several times. They know what it takes all that. They play hard, they are organized, fight and never abandon ”list the pivot. “The match promises to be difficult and for these meetings, what happened before is no longer really. You have to give the best on a single match. We should not think of anything else, only of the next action. »»
To reassure themselves and forget the past, the Bulls actually have their record for them against the Heat this season: three matches, three victories. And this Miami with its 37 victories seems less strong than that of 2023 and 2024.
“In each meeting, we try to impose our style, to play with our strengths. For us, it's playing quickly, trying to run. For that, we have to defend, take the rebounds ”analyzes the former Orlando player. “We have to make sure not to let them slow the game too much. They do it by going to free throws, causing faults. We should be clever in this area. »»
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