Chuck Checks In; Chuck Swirsky

Bulls.com

A year of growth, challenges and a new era of Bulls basketball were all rolled into one unpredictable 21-22 season.

At one stage, the Bulls had 10 players dealing with COVID. In addition to the pandemic, the Bulls sustained significant injuries, arguably to their top three defensive players: Patrick Williams, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso. It had an impact on the court but the resilient Bulls weathered the storm.

The resilient Bulls fought through a ton of adversity on their way to a 46-36 season.

The Bulls found themselves tied for first in the Eastern Conference at the All-Star break but injuries, a demanding schedule and inconsistent play the second half of the season derailed their hopes of a top four seed.

This was a positive season for the Bulls. Period.

At the start of the season, if someone told me the Bulls would win 46 games and capture the sixth seed in the East, I would have said, " Sign me up." It was/is great to see the Bulls return to relevancy.

Led by Michael Reinsdorf, Arturas Karnisovas and Marc Eversley the front office will be the guiding light preparing for next season. They bring intelligence, creativity and street smarts to the table.

Thank you to Head Coach Billy Donovan and his staff for their professionalism, assistance and kindness throughout the year. Coach Donovan is a fantastic person. He is thoughtful, kind, respectful and professional.

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 a tremendous amount of regard for my brothers and sisters who show up each and every day and give of themselves selflessly for the betterment of the organization.

To our fans, season seat holders, corporate partners, sponsors and to those who work so very hard to save money to attend even one game , better days are ahead. The Bulls led the NBA in home attendance averaging 20,881. They also led the NBA in road attendance. I loved meeting so many of you prior to games whether it was in your seats or concourses. I always have time for our fans.

The Bulls led the NBA in home and road attendance.

My broadcast partner Bill Wennington is awesome and I feel so fortunate to call games with him. His insight, sense of humor and love of the game allows our chemistry to grow season after season. He is a fantastic person. Thank you to Alyssa Bergamini, Stephen Bardo, Robbie Hummel, Will Perdue and Zach Zaidman for their on-air participation this season.

Chuck Swirsky and Bill Wennington wrapped up a successful and exciting season of calling Bulls basketball.

Many thanks to the Bulls Communications staff led by Vice President Susan Goodenow. Our media relations department got me (us) through another season with gratitude to Tim Hallam, Beth Esler, Matt Yob, Kristen Deahl and Spencer Krock.

I can't say enough about 670 The Score and Program Manager Mitch Rosen. Mitch is fabulous, offering support and enthusiasm. Mitch is great, as is our wonderfully gifted engineer Rich Wyatt who brings attention to detail every game with a smile on his face. To the women and men at 670 The Score and the Bulls Radio Network who put the broadcast together on/off the air, thank you! You are very much appreciated. Many thanks to WBBM 780 for being there when we need you.

I love my job and love the game. I will never mail it in. Ever. You have my word. 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. 365. 24-7. This isn't a job...it's a passion. I love the prep work. Love watching NBA games. Love everything. It's an honor and privilege broadcasting Bulls ball.

"CCI" will take a break but will return as we near the 2022 NBA Draft. Until then, blessings to you.

Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls All in. All Bulls. 365. 24-7. Always a pleasure. Go Bulls!

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Chuck Checks In: Celebrating a new era of Bulls basketball

FINAL FROM MILWAUKEE: Bucks 116, Bulls 100. Milwaukee wins the series 4-1.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls- Antetokounmpo (33 points), Bulls- Williams (23 points)LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bucks- Portis (17), Bulls- Vucevic (16)LEADING ASSISTS: Bucks- Holiday (9), Bulls- DeRozan (7)

CCI RECAP: The Bucks jumped on the undermanned Bulls who played without Zach LaVine, Alex Caruso and Lonzo Ball. The Bulls cut Milwaukee's lead to 11 at one stage in the third quarter before the Bucks responded with seven straight points after a time out. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis each registered their fourth double-double games of the series.

Antetokounmpo had a terrific first round capped off with a 33-9-3 performance in Game 5. Nikola Vucevic recorded his fourth double-double game of the series with 19 points and 16 rebounds. Patrick Williams poured in 23 points. Coby White added 17 points.

Patrick Williams led all Chicago scorers with 23 points.

Despite the series loss it was a season of progress for the Bulls. A lot of positive things happened for the Bulls, featuring two All-Stars in DeMar DeRozan and LaVine along with Vucevic who bagged 44 double-double games.

I'll have some final thoughts on the season in tomorrow's CCI.

Wishing the Bucks the best as they advance to play red-hot Boston in the second round.

Giannis and the Bucks advance to face Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart (pictured, #36) and the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Golden State 102, Denver 98: The Warriors eliminated the Nuggets in five games as Steph Curry scored 30 points in his first starting assignment of the opening round.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls lose Game 5 in Milwaukee to end 2022 season

GAME NIGHT FROM MILWAUKEE: Bulls at Bucks . 6:30 CT.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls- DeRozan (23 ppg), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (27 ppg)

LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls- Vucevic (11), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (14)

LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls- LaVine (6), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (7)

CCI PREVIEW: Both Zach LaVine and Alex Caruso are listed as questionable for tonight's game. We will get an update prior to the game from Head Coach Billy Donovan.

Bulls down 3-1. It's a must win. Period. Pace. Pass. Passion. In Game 2 here in Milwaukee the Bulls shot 48% from 3-point range, however, in Games 1, 3 and 4 the Bulls shot a combined 23% beyond the arc. Let's see what happens tonight.

The Bulls will need their 3-point shooters to step up big-time in Game 5.

Memphis 111, Minnesota 109: Ja Morant scored 18 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter including the game winning driving layup with one second left. Memphis leads the series 3-2.

Miami 97, Atlanta 94: The Heat captured the series in 5 games as they held Trae Young to 15 points during the series on 32% shooting.

Phoenix 112, New Orleans 97: Mikal Bridges scored a playoff career high 31 points, blocked four shots and played 47 minutes as the Suns grabbed a 3-2 series lead. The Suns played their third straight game without Devin Booker who remains sidelined with a strained hamstring.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls All in. All Bulls. 365. 24-7. Always a pleasure. Go Bulls!

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls battle Bucks in win-or-go home Game 5

The Bulls get a practice in today before heading to Milwaukee for Game 5. The Bulls know the drill and there is no doubt in my mind they will leave it all on the floor in Milwaukee. Alex Caruso remains in concussion protocol. An update will be provided Tuesday.

Game time in Milwaukee is 6:30 pm. NBCSCH and TNT will carry the game. WBBM 780 will have the radio call at 6:15 pm.

April 26th is the birthday of three-time NBA Champion Bill Wennington (pictured, right). Happy Birthday Bill!

Happy Birthday to three-time NBA Champion Bill Wennington who does a fantastic job on 670 The Score and the Bulls radio network serving as game analyst. Bill insight and humor is unparalleled . He is a great person.

Boston 116, Brooklyn 112: The Celtics swept the Nets. Boston became the first team to advance to the second round.

Toronto 103, Philadelphia 88: The Raps trail the Sixers 3-2 in the series having won two straight with game six in Toronto.Pascal Siakam and Precious Achiuwa combined for 40 points.

Dallas 102, Utah 77: Luka Donic had a 33-13 game as the Mavs grabbed a 3-2 series lead.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls Always a pleasure. Go Bulls!

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls ready for do-or-die Game 5 in Milwaukee

FINAL FROM THE UNITED CENTER: Milwaukee 111 Bulls 81. Bucks lead series 2-1.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: Vucevic (19 pts), Bucks- Allen (22 pts)LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls- White (8), Bucks- Portis (16)LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls: LaVine: 5. Bucks: Antetokounmpo (9)

CCI STAT OF THE GAME: After shooting 48% from three point range in game two, the Bulls shot only 26% beyond the arc in game three.

CCI RECAP: It was a long night at the office as the Bulls struggled against an aggressive Bucks defense trailing by as many as 37 points.

The Bucks got it going early looking for Bobby Portis who got the start for the injured Khris Middleton. Portis finished with an impressive 18 points and 16 rebounds. Grayson Allen was impactful off the bench with 22 points draining five 3-pointers. The Bulls were never in sync attempting just 10 free throws.

The Bucks defense held the Bulls to 39% shooting from the field.

The Bucks outrebounded the Bulls 55-43. The Bulls shot 39% , 25% from three point range and went 6-10 from the foul line. Milwaukee's bench outscored the Bulls reserves 47-26.

NEXT: Home with Milwaukee Sunday noon tip.

Atlanta 111, Miami 110: Trae Young's floater with 4.4 seconds left enabled the Hawks to win game three as Atlanta overcame a 16 point deficit. Kyle Lowry suffered a hamstring injury and will undergo tests today. Miami leads the series 2-1.

Phoenix 114, New Orleans 111: Chris Paul scored 19 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter. The Suns lead the series 2-1.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls All In. All Bulls. 365. 24-7. Always a pleasure. Go Bulls!

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls lose to Bucks in Game 3 blowout

RADIO: 670 THE SCORE: Chuck Swirsky, Bill Wennington, Alyssa Bergamini. 7:15 pregame.

TV: NBCSCH: Adam Amin and Stacey King. ABC. 7:30 pm.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls: DeRozan (29 ppg), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (30 ppg)LEADING REBOUNDERS: Vucevic (15), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (17)LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls- DeRozan (5), Bucks- Antetokounmpo and Holiday (6)

CCI PREVIEW: The United Center will be rocking as the Bulls look to "See Red" and see a continuation of their stellar play following their four point road win Wednesday.

With Khris Middleton sidelined for at least two weeks with a knee injury, the Bulls cannot fall victim to the mindset that the series is now in their favor. The Bucks have weathered many storms. They are a deep team. They are the defending NBA champions.

The loss of Middleton will be felt on many levels on both sides of the floor but the Bucks are deep and well coached.

Middleton averaged 20 ppg this season for the Bucks while shooting 37% from the 3-point line.

The Bulls starters did their job playing heavy minutes. Head Coach Billy Donovan orchestrated a masterpiece from the bench utilizing different defensive looks baffling the Bucks.

DeMar DeRozan did the heavy lifting scoring a playoff career high 41 points. All 16 of his made field goals were from inside the 3-point line. Nikola Vucevic is enjoying a solid series averaging 24 points and 15 rebounds. Zach LaVine is averaging 19 points through the first two games. The gritty play of Alex Caruso cannot be understated. The Bulls have fed off his toughness and tenacity.

The Bulls have gone with a tight rotation; nonetheless, the bench will be called upon to contribute to take pressure off the starting unit.

Golden State 118, Denver 113: The Warriors grabbed a 3-0 series lead. Stephen Curry and Jordan Poole scored 27 points each. Klay Thompson drilled six-three pointers.

Memphis 104, Minnesota 95: Desmond Bane buried seven-three pointers as the Grizzlies rallied from a 26 point deficit to stun the T-Wolves in Minnesota. Ja Morant had a triple-double game of 16-10-10. Memphis holds a 2-1 series lead.

Dallas 126, Utah 118: Jalen Brunson scored 31 points The Mavs lead the series 2-1.

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls go for 2-1 series lead vs. Bucks

FINAL FROM MILWAUKEE: Bulls 114, Bucks 110. Series tied at 1-1.

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls- DeRozan (41 pts), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (33 pts)

LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls- Vucevic (13), Bucks-Antetokounmpo (18)

LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls- Caruso (10), Bucks-Antetokounmpo (9)

CCI SAT OF THE GAME: After shooting 18% from 3-point range in game one the Bulls made 12-25 for 48%.

CCI RECAP: From the opening tip the Bulls played with confidence and resilience as they take the series back to Chicago tied at one game apiece. DeMar DeRozan was the go to guy for the Bulls pouring in a playoff career high 41 points in 44 minutes.

DeRozan's 16 field goals were all two point attempts. He went nine for nine from the foul line. Nikola Vucevic had his second double-double game in as many outings. Zach LaVine added 20 points.

Patrick Williams and Alex Caruso were huge contributors. Williams delivered 10 points nine rebounds, one steal and one block. Caruso was tremendous with 10 assists, nine points, two steals and two blocks. His defense was superb. The Bulls dished out 25 assists and blocked five shots.

DeRozan's huge scoring effort helped lift the Bulls to a massive Game 2 victory.

Khris Middleton sustained an MCL sprain and will be re-evaluated today. Bobby Portis suffered an eye abrasion in the first half and did not return.

NEXT: Home with Milwaukee Friday 7:30 tip.

Boston 114, Brooklyn 107: Jaylen Brown scored 22 points,10 in the fourth quarter as the Celtics erased a 17 point deficit . Boston owns a 2-0 series lead.

Philadelphia 104, Toronto 101 OT: Joel Embiid with another monster game of 33 points and 12 rebounds as the Sixers took a commanding 3-0 series lead. Embiid drilled a three pointer in the left wing with less then a second to win it.

Thanks for reading CCI. Reach out: cswirsky@bulls.com or Twitter @ctsbulls All in All Bulls. 365. 24-7. Always a pleasure. Go Bulls!

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Chuck Checks In: DeMar DeRozan delivers in Bulls Game 2 win

GAME NIGHT FROM MILWAUKEE: Bulls (0-1, 0-1 on the road) at Bucks: ( 1-0, 1-0 at home). 8:30pm

RADIO: WBBM 780/ 670 THE SCORE: Chuck Swirsky and Bill Wennington. 8:15 pregame

LEADING SCORERS: Bulls- Vucevic (24 pts), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (28 pts)

LEADING REBOUNDERS: Bulls- Vucevic (17), Bucks- Antetokounmpo (16)

LEADING ASSISTS: Bulls- DeRozan (6), Bucks- Holiday and Middleton (6)

CCI PREVIEW: Finally! After a two day break it's back to basketball. Bulls need to execute offensively, meaning pass the ball, hit shots, close out on the glass and try, I repeat, try to score some easy baskets in transition.

The Bulls shot 18% from 3-point range in game one. The Bucks shot only 26%. Those numbers will change tonight. The Bulls rotation must be crisper but credit Milwaukee for making the extra pass to create open looks.

Miami 115, Atlanta 105: Jimmy Butler scored a career playoff high 45 points. The Heat lead the series 2-0.

Memphis 124, Minnesota 96: Ja Morant with a near triple-double of 23-9-10. Seven Grizzlies finished in double-figures. The series is tied 1-1.

New Orleans 125, Phoenix 114: Brandon Ingram with an impressive 37-11-9 game. The Pelicans notched their first playoff win since 2018. Devin Booker had 31 points but left in the third quarter with hamstring tightness and did not return.

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Chuck Checks In: Bulls fired up for Game 2 in Milwaukee

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