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Nikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics took care of business Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls, rolling to a 124-105 victory at TD Garden in their final game before the All-Star break. Boston jumped out early, built a commanding lead by halftime, and never gave Chicago a chance to make it interesting.

The win was Boston’s sixth in its last seven contests. The Bulls, playing without multiple rotation players, dropped their sixth straight. It was the kind of performance the Celtics needed after the loss to New York.

For Nikola Vucevic, Wednesday carried extra weight. He was facing Chicago for the first time since the trade that sent him to Boston at the deadline. After the final buzzer, Vucevic spoke about what the move means to him.

Vucevic Opens Up About Celtics Trade

Nikola Vucevic didn’t hold back when asked what excites him most about joining the Celtics. His answer revealed what’s been absent throughout his career.

“Having a chance to win big, it’s something I’ve been missing in my career,” Vucevic said.

The statement carried weight. Vucevic has spent 13 seasons in the NBA, playing just 16 playoff games. He’s played for Orlando and Chicago across his career, but championship contention has remained elusive. That changes now.

His former coach understood what the trade meant for him. Billy Donovan spoke about his final conversation with Vucevic before the big man headed to Boston, and the excitement was clear.

“I think he enjoyed his time in Chicago a lot,” Donovan said. “But I think as he looks at the next step of his career, coming here to Boston, I think it’s something that he’ll get a chance to experience that he hadn’t been able to experience throughout his career.”

The distinction matters. Orlando never built a contender during Vucevic’s time there. Chicago made moves but couldn’t break through in the Eastern Conference. Boston offers something different. The Celtics have championship DNA. They know what it takes to win at the highest level.

Joe Mazzulla sees what Vucevic brings beyond just his skill set. The Celtics coach praised his new center’s approach after Wednesday’s game.

“He cares about the details, he cares about wanting to get it right and he wants to win,” Mazzulla said.

That mindset aligns with what Boston demands. They need someone ready to contribute to a championship pursuit immediately. Vucevic checks that box.

GettyNikola Vucevic #9 of the Boston Celtics

Vucevic Delivers in First Game Against the Bulls

Nikola Vucevic backed up his words with his performance Wednesday night. He finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists, one steal, and two blocks. The efficiency stood out. Vucevic knocked down four of his five three-point attempts and didn’t force anything.

After the game, Vucevic acknowledged the progress he’s made integrating with his new team.

“I think tonight was a good step forward of where we can get to,” Vucevic said. “I felt a lot more comfortable out there, and I think the guys felt more comfortable around me and we’re able to build some good chemistry.”

The comfort level will continue improving. Vucevic has appeared in just three games since joining Boston. The connections with teammates need time to develop. Wednesday showed what’s possible when things start clicking.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 24 points before sitting early in the fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard poured in 26 points off the bench, continuing his strong recent stretch.

All-Star Break Arrives at Right Time for Vucevic

The timing of the All-Star break works in Vucevic’s favor. He’ll get more than a week to study film, learn Boston’s system, and prepare for the second half without the pressure of game preparation.

Vucevic acknowledged that benefit when discussing his transition to the Celtics.

“I think the All-Star could help a little bit just because it’s a lot with the trade,” Vucevic said. “You come to a whole new city, a whole new situation, a lot thrown at you. I think it also will do some good to kind of regroup. Give me some more time to kind of study, watch film, and see some things and then refresh for the end of the year.”

Trades at the deadline create chaos. Players pack up their lives, relocate to new cities, and join unfamiliar systems with limited practice time. The break provides breathing room that midseason acquisitions rarely get.

Boston enters the pause at 35-19, holding second place in the Eastern Conference.

Brown heads to Los Angeles for All-Star Weekend as a starter for Team USA Stripes. The rest of the roster gets time to recover before the stretch run begins. The Celtics face the Golden State Warriors on February 19 in San Francisco to start a four-game West Coast road trip.

Final Word for the Celtics

Nikola Vucevic finally has what he’s been chasing. The chance to compete for championships. The opportunity to play meaningful games in June instead of watching from home.

His performance Wednesday showed he can contribute immediately. The shooting was efficient. The rebounding was solid. The chemistry with teammates is building.

The All-Star break gives Vucevic time to accelerate his learning curve. He’ll study film, absorb Boston’s system, and return ready for the playoff push.

Vucevic has spent 13 seasons in the NBA without making a meaningful playoff push. Boston offers him that chance. The Celtics have the talent, the experience, and the championship pedigree to make a deep run.

He’s not missing this opportunity.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins