Chuck Checks In

Chuck Swirsky

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: DeRozan: 26 pts. Miami: Butler and Strus each with 31 pts.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 9 Miami: Adebayo: 17.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: DeRozan: 7 Miami: Herro : 9

CCI STAT OF THE GAME: Stagg High School's Max Strus scored 31 points, draining seven -three pointers.

CCI RECAP: Defense. Defense. Defense. It was a " Back to the Future" NBA game of the '80s as the Heat went on a 15-1 run to end the Bulls season in a low scoring contest that saw both teams play outstanding defense.

The Bulls shot 43% from the field, 28% from three point range while taking only 15 free throws.Miami went 28-32 from the line. With the exception of Struss, the rest of the Heat combined to go three of 18 beyond the arc.

With Miami clinging to a 93-91 lead with 90 seconds left, Struss scored six of Miami’s last nine points to end a 15-1 run and send the Heat to Milwaukee for the series opener Sunday. Jimmy Butler had 31 points, 11 in the fourth quarter.

DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls in scoring with 26 points. Nikola Vucevic and Andre Drummond combined for 18 points and 17 rebounds. Zach LaVine had 15 points but made just six of 21 shots. Alex Caruso popped in 16 points. Coby White had 14 points, nine in the fourth quarter.

Up next for the Bulls is the NBA lottery. The team's first round pick is protected one-four. If the pick falls outside the group it becomes property of the Orlando Magic to complete the deal that sent Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls.

The 22-23 Bulls season is in the books..my 25th in the NBA, 15th with the Bulls and on January 13th I was blessed to broadcast my 2-000 NBA game.

Thank you to the Bulls organization for another year of support and assistance. We have an incredible group, one I am extremely proud of. The women and men who pass through the United Center on a daily basis are among the finest in professional sports. In every department, Bulls employees bring effort, energy and professionalism. I’ll go through a brick wall for every employee regardless of department or years of service. I have tremendous regard for my brothers and sisters who show up each and every day and give of themselves selflessly for the betterment of the organization. I also want to thank the seasonal workers at the United Center and Levy employees. They are fabulous.

Thank you to 670 The Score and the Bulls Network for everything. I am truly appreciative of Mitch Rosen and his staff and our engineer, Rich Wyatt. They’re the best. My deepest heartfelt gratitude to the women and men who put our broadcast together.

Our broadcast team featuring Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini and Rich Wyatt are family. They are incredible human beings. One of the best things about coming to work everyday is to connect with them. I love our listeners and love those who communicate with me on social media. Bulls Nation is rock solid and the Bulls brand ranks among the strongest globally.

I love my job and love the game. I’m just as passionate today about my love of broadcasting basketball games as I was when I first began years ago. I will never mail it in. Ever. I have plenty left in the tank. My energy, focus and drive is at an all time high. I’m all in and all Bulls. This isn’t a job..it’s purpose..it’s passion..it’s positivity and it’s perseverance. I am truly blessed.

Again, thank you for listening to Bulls ball.

I want to personally thank the folks at&nbsp;Bulls.com&nbsp;for their time, patience and assistance this season. It's a grind and with a heart of gratitude I appreciate many, including Lino Jimenez.

With respect and admiration. Always a pleasure - Chuck.

Minnesota 120, Oklahoma City 95. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the T-Wolves advanced to play top seed Denver in the opening round of the Western Conference playoffs.

Thanks for reading CCI: Reach out: Twitter: @ctsbulls Instagram: swirsk_bulls Facebook: Chuck Swirsky. E-mail:&nbsp;cswirsky@bulls.com. All In. All Bulls. 365. 24-7.&nbsp;Always A Pleasure.

chuck-checks-in-04-15-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.15.23

GAME NIGHT FROM MIAMI: Play In Tournament: Bulls (1-0, 1-0 on the road) at Heat ( 0-1, 0-1 at home) 6PM.

RADIO: 670 The Score: 5:45 CT pre.TV: TNT.6PM CT.

Play In Tournament LeadersLEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine: 39 points. Heat: Lowry: 33 points.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 13. Miami: Adebayo: 9.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: White: 5. Heat: Butler: 9

CCI PREVIEW: After taking care of business in Toronto the Bulls are in Miami looking to capture the eighth seed and a trip to Milwaukee Sunday.

The Bulls played outstanding defense in the second half against the Raptors and ran well executed fourth quarter plays as they outscored Toronto 37-24 in the final quarter.

Zach LaVine scored 30 of his 39 points in the second half and willed the Bulls to victory. It was one of the finest performances I've ever seen from a player in a Bulls uniform in recent memory. His sharp cuts to the basket and his fade away jumpers were unstoppable.

In Toronto, the Bulls blocked ten shots and collected nine steals. The Bulls will need more of that tonight against Jimmy Butler who is on a mission to propel the Heat into the playoffs. Butler is a true leader in every sense of the word, he but can only do so much. The Heat are fortunate to have Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro -two significant stars. Is it enough? Kyle Lowry is a terrific player when healthy. He had a vintage Lowry night against Atlanta scoring 33 points and dishing out nine assists in a home court loss.

Defense is Miami's strength, offense is another story. The Heat ranked last of the 30 NBA teams in scoring average with 109 points. The Heat shot just 46% from the field, 26th in the Association. They shot 34% from three point country-fourth worst. They were 27th in rebounding and last in block shots. But the Heat allowed just 109 points and collected eight steals per game . For the Heat to win Herro will have to have a special night, Adebayo will need to stay out of foul trouble and an "X" factor like Max Strus will have to have a big night. Miami is extremely well coached.

My take is, the Bulls have more offensive skilled players than the Heat and that will be the difference .

chuck-checks-in-04-14-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.14.23

FINAL FROM TORONTO: Bulls 109, Toronto 105.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls:LaVine: 39 pts. Toronto: Siakam: 32 pts.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 13. Toronto: VanVleet: 12.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: White: 5. Toronto: VanVleet: 8

CCI STAT OF THE GAME: The Raptors missed 18 free throws.

CCI RECAP: The Bulls outscored Toronto 37-24 in the fourth quarter erasing a 19 point second half deficit to advance in play in tournament competition against Miami Friday. The winner will capture the eighth seed and take on the Bucks Sunday in Milwaukee.

Zach LaVine scored 39 points, 30 in the second half. He was magnificent getting to the line going 13-15. DeMar DeRozan added 23. His hard cuts to the rim included two filthy slam dunks. Nikola Vucevic tossed in a double-double game of 14 points and 13 rebounds. His two free throws ice the game in the waning seconds.

After struggling shooting the three ball the first three quarters , the Bulls drained four in the final period-two by LaVine.

The Bulls scored 52 points in the paints and forced Toronto into 16 turnovers , scoring 22 points.

The Raptors missed 18 free throws in 36 attempts.

It was a tremendous game, highly competitive as the Bulls played through adversity, trailing by nine heading to the fourth quarter.

Oklahoma City 123, New Orleans 118. Shai Gilgeous Alexander scored 25 of his 32 points in the second half. Josh Giddey had a massive game of 31 -9-10. The Thunder play at Minnesota FRiday., The winner will take on top seed Denver.

chuck-checks-in-04-13-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.13.23

GAME NIGHT FROM TORONTO: Bulls (40-42, 18-23 on the road) at Raptors (41-41, 27-14 at home). 6PM CT.

RADIO: 670 The Score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini. 5:45 CGT pre. (Only local coverage).ESPN 6PM

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine and DeRozan each: 24 ppg. Toronto:Siakam: 24 ppg.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 11 per. Toronto: Poeltl: 9LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: DeRozan: 5. Toronto: VanVleet: 7.

CCI PREVIEW: It's a winner advance, loser is out as the Bulls and the Raps meet in Toronto in front of a sellout crowd of 19-thousand 800 delirious Raptors fans.

DeMar DeRozan returns to Canada with an opportunity to eliminate the team that drafted him and later traded him. He spent nine seasons with the Raptors playing in 675 games, averaging 19 points per game. He was a four time All Star in a Toronto uniform and is beloved by die -hard Toronto fans. But tonight it's a different story. DeRozan understands the loser faces a long off season full of uncertainty. Toronto Head Coach Nick Nurse will attempt to limit DeRozan's touches . In three games against the Raptors , DeRozan is averaging just 14 points, attempting nine field goals and five three throws per contest.

With the exception of Lonzo Ball, the Bulls are good to go.

The Raps hit the window averaging 43 boards per game. They struggled shooting the ball but ranked second to Houston in offensive rebounding at 12 per game. The Raps led the NBA in steals with nine per game allowing them to score nearly 18 points in fast break points, third in the Association.

The Bulls will need outstanding performances from DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic tonight and others as well. Who will the "X" factor be? This should be a highly competitive game and it wouldn't surprise me to have it come down to the final possession.

Atlanta 116, Miami 105. Trae Young scored 25 points. Clint Capela grabbed 21 rebounds as the Hawks earned the seventh seed and will play Boston in the opening round of the playoffs. The Heat host the winner of the Bulls-Raptors game Friday .

Los Angeles Lakers 108, Minnesota 102 OT. The Lakers advance to the seventh seed and play Memphis in the opening round. The T-Wolves get the winner of OKC-New Orleans game. LeBron James had 30 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers.

Thanks for reading CCI: Reach out: Twitter: @ctsbulls Instagram: swirsk_bulls Facebook: Chuck Swirsky. E-mail:&nbsp;cswirsky@bulls.com. All In. All Bulls. 365. 24-7.Always A Pleasure.

chuck-checks-in-04-12-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.12.23

FINAL FROM THE UNITED CENTER: Bulls 103, Detroit 81. (Bulls 40-42, 22-19 at home).

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: LaVine: 17pts. Pistons: Hayes: 26 pts.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Drummond: 10. Pistons: Duren: 18.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: DeRozan: 5. Pistons: Joseph: 9.

CCI STAT OF THE GAME: Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams each appeared in all 82 games for the Bulls this season, becoming the first Bulls players to suit up in all 82 games since the 2014-15 season.

CCI RECAP: The Bulls polished off the regular season scoring 60 points in the paints as the Bulls bench scored 58 points. The Bulls scored 30 points off 25 Detroit turnovers.The Bulls outscored Detroit 36-17 in the fourth quarter.

Toronto 121, Milwaukee 105. The Raps finished at 41-41 for the second time in franchise history.

Boston 120, Atlanta 114. Payton Pritchard notched his first career triple-double of 30-14-11.

Philadelphia 134, Brooklyn 105. The two teams face each other next weekend in the opening round.

Charlotte 106, Cleveland 95. The Hornets have missed the playoffs seven straight seasons. They missed their first 24-three point attempts.

Indiana 141, New York 136. Despite the win the Pacers finished the season losers of seven of their last 10 games.

Golden State 157, Portland 101. The Warriors scored 55 first quarter points.

Los Angeles Lakers 128, Utah 117. LeBron James nailed eight-three pointers. The Lakers ended the regular season winners of nine of 11. The Lakers will meet Minnesota in the play in tournament.

Los Angeles Clippers 119, Phoenix 114. The two teams meet in the opening round of the playoffs. The Suns are the four seed.

Houston 114, Washington 109. Stephen Silas won't return as head coach of the Rockets.

Minnesota 113, New Orleans 108. The Pelicans host 10th seed OKC Wednesday night.

Miami 123, Orlando 110.Udonis Harlem scored 24 points in his final regular season game.

Denver 109, Sacramento 95. The Kings finished the regular season with 48 wins.

San Antonio 138, Dallas 117. The Mavs rested six players including Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The Spurs sat nine players.

Oklahoma City 115, Memphis 100. The Thunder went from 24 wins to 40 wins without the second overall pick, Chet Holmgren who missed the entire season with a foot injury.

chuck-checks-in-04-10-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.10.23

GAME DAY FROM THE UNITED CENTER: Detroit (17-64, 8-32 on the road) at Bulls (39-42 (21-19 at home) 12PM.

RADIO: 670 The Score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini. 11: 45 AMTV: NBCSC: Adam Amin and Stacey King: Noon.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: DeRozan and LaVine each 24 ppg. Detroit : Ivey: 16ppg.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 11 per. Detroit: Duren: 8 per.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: DeRozan: 5 per. Detroit: Hayes: 6 per.

CCI PREVIEW: Game # 82. It's anyone's guess who is playing and if so, how long they will see action as the Bulls are locked into the 10th seed and will play the ninth seed Raptors Wednesday in Toronto.

For the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic and Patrick Williams will each be playing in their 82nd game, quite an accomplishment in today's NBA "load management" world. Vucevic has had a fantastic season with 51 double-double games, averaging 17 points and 11 rebounds. Williams, who played in only 17 games last season, is averaging 10 points and four rebounds per game in 22-23.

The Pistons own the worst record in the NBA and list seven players out.

Los Angeles 136, Portland 125. The Clippers remain in the fifth seed, winning for the fourth time in their last six.

Minnesota 151, San Antonio 131. The 151 points was the most points allowed in a regulation game under Spurs coach Greg Popovich.

Utah 118, Denver 114. Former Bull, Kris Dunn had 19 points and a season high 14 assists for the Jazz.

chuck-checks-in-04-09-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.09.23

FINAL FROM DALLAS: Bulls 115, Mavs 112. (Bulls: 39-42, 18-23).

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: White: 24 points. Dallas: 3 players each with 13.LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic : 11. Dallas: Lawson: 7.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: White: 11. Dallas: Pinson: 4.

CCI STAT OF THE GAME: The Bulls grabbed 50 rebounds and scored 56 points in the paint.

CCI RECAP: Both the Bulls and Mavs rested players. DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Patrick Beverley sat out ; Andre Drummond was active but did not play. Dallas elected to rest five players including Kyrie Irving. With the loss the Mavs were eliminated from post season play.

Nikola Vucevic recorded his fourth straight, double-double April game with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Patrick Williams poured in 23 points . Coby White had 24 points and dished out 11 assists. Two-way player Terry Taylor played the entire fourth quarter and made all four field goal attempts, scoring eight points .

Luka Doncic played the opening 13 points and scored 13 points for the Mavs.

NEXT: Sunday: Home with Detroit (Noon tipoff).

Boston 121, Toronto 102. Sam Hauser scored a career high 26 points. The Celtics recorded a 4-0 series sweep over the Raps. The Celtics went 15-15 from inside the three point line during the first half. Boston is the first team in the play-by-play era (since 1997-1998) to shoot 100% on 2-point field goals in a first half. (NBA History).

Brooklyn 101, Orlando 84. The Nets secured the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Philadelphia 136, Atlanta 131 OT. The 76ers rested all their starters. Trae Young became the first player in Hawks history to record 20 points and 20 assists in a game.

Houston 112, Charlotte 109. The Hornets played without all five starters.

Memphis 137, Milwaukee 114. Jaren Jackson Jr. nailed five -three pointers, scoring 36 points.

New Orleans 113, New York 105. The 42-39 Pelicans got 31 points from Trey Murphy.

Detroit 122, Indiana 115. Killian Hayes scored a career high 28 points for the Pistons.

Washington 114, Miami 108. The Wizards have played without Bradley Beal for the last nine games with a knee injury.

Golden State 119, Sacramento 97. The Warriors can claim a playoff berth with a Sunday win over Portland.

Los Angeles Lakers 121, Phoenix 107. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker sat out for the Suns.

Thanks for reading CCI: Reach out: Twitter: @ctsbulls Instagram: swirsk_bulls Facebook: Chuck Swirsky. E-mail:&nbsp;cswirsky@bulls.com. All In. All Bulls. 365. 24-7. Always A Pleasure.

chuck-checks-in-04-08-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.08.23

GAME NIGHT FROM DALLAS: Bulls (38-42, 17-23 on the road) at Mavs (38-42, 23-16 at home). 7:30 tip-off.

RADIO: 670 The Score: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini.  7:15 pre.TV: NBCSC: Adam Amin and Stacey King: 7:30.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: DeRozan and LaVine : 24 ppg. Mavs: Doncic: 32 ppg LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls: Vucevic: 11 per. Mavs: Doncic: 8 per.LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: DeRozan: 5 per. Mavs: Doncic: 8 per.

CCI PREVIEW: The Bulls are officially locked in to the tenth seed in the play in tournament with as they await their opponent, either Toronto or Atlanta.

The Bulls will proceed with caution the last two games allowing veteran players such as DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso to see limited court time. All three are listed as questionable.

After acquiring Kyrie Irving from the Nets the expectations in Dallas went through the roof anticipating a deep playoff run for Jason Kidd’s team. It turned out to be just the opposite.  The Mavs are 8-15 with the addition of Irving as the Mavs have lacked consistency and chemistry. Both Doncic and Irving are putting up big numbers but not in the win column where it matters the most.

Miami 129 Philadelphia 101. The Heat dished out a franchise tying 39 assists.

Cleveland 118 Orlando 94. Both teams rested starters.

San Antonio 129 Portland 127. The  game was played  in Austin, Texas.

Phoenix 119 Denver 115. The Suns are 8-0 with Kevin Durant in the lineup.

Oklahoma City 114 Utah 98. The Thunder lead the Mavs by .5 games for the final play in spot.

chuck-checks-in-04-07-23

Chuck Checks In - 04.07.23

none

Presented By

AT&T

<a title="Bulls Play-In Tournament Tickets are On Sale Now" href="https://www.nba.com/bulls/postseason">Bulls Play-In Tournament Tickets are On Sale Now!</a>