The Miami Heat dominate the Chicago Bulls in a stunning turnaround, bouncing back from a tough loss with a commanding performance and offensive explosion.
Miami, FL - The Miami Heat would face the Chicago Bulls for a third and final time in the span of four nights. They were coming off a difficult loss on Saturday night, with a final score of 125-118. Despite a late effort for a comeback, the time on the clock wasn't enough.
The Bulls dominated with 34 fastbreak points, plus efficient three-point shooting, making 20 out of 40 attempts, 50 percent. However, every game is a different story, especially with both sides gaining reinforcements.
The Heat were without Norman Powell (personal reasons), All-Star guard Tyler Herro (right costochondral rib injury) and Nikola Jovic (right hip impingement). However, Davion Mitchell would return after missing the previous six games due to a left shoulder sprain.
Meanwhile, the Bulls were without Zach Collins (right first 1st toe sprain), Kevin Huerter (lower back spasm), Jalen Smith (right calf tightness), Tre Jones (left hamstring strain), Josh Giddey (left hamstring), and Noa Essengue (left shoulder surgery; out for season).
All-Star center Nikola Vucevic would return after missing Saturday's game due to rest.
It's worth noting that veteran guard Devin Carter was no longer with the team after being waived in transactions relating to a three-team trade involving the Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers. He finished Saturday's game with 11 points, including three three-pointers made five rebounds, two blocks, an assist, and a steal in 20 minutes coming off the bench.
The starting lineups:
Heat: Davion Mitchell-Pelle Larsson-Andrew Wiggins-Simone Fontecchio-Bam Adebayo
Bulls: Ayo Dosunmu-Coby White-Isaac Okoro-Matas Buzelis-Nikola Vucevic
After the tip, the Heat wasted no time in setting the tone, immediately sparking a massive 24-6 run, including four three-pointers made. The Bulls finished the first quarter shooting 20 percent from the field. Also, they committed seven turnovers, which resulted in 14 points given.
The game started in complete opposite fashion from Saturday night. The score was 34-13 after the first 12 minutes of regulation.
As the second quarter unraveled, the Bulls attempted to put up a fight. However, the Heat had a response for every punch thrown. The defense picked up as the score was 62-40 heading into halftime.
The Heat finished the first half with 32 points in the paint. Unlike Saturday night, they took advantage of the lack of size from the opposing side.
Throughout the second half, the Heat simply destroyed any chance of a comeback, with a final score of 134-91. They set a new franchise record with 44 total assists as a team.
Bam Adebayo and Pelle Larsson both finished with 20 points, shooting an identical 72.7 percent from the field. In Mitchell's first game back in action, he finished with 13 points, three three-pointers made, six assists, two rebounds, and two steals, and a team high +34 in 21 minutes.
After a night of very-limited time on the court on Saturday, Kel'el Ware finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and an assist in 18 minutes.
Erik Spoelstra was quick to sing praises for the 21-year-old big man following the victory without being formally asked by media.
“I was encouraged by his defensive activity,” he said. “He’s part of that young gun crew. Offensively, he moved the ball when he needed to, gave us vertical spacing when he needed to, shot the three when he needed to.”
“Those things, I think we can build on.”
The Heat improved their record to 27-24, seventh in the Eastern Conference standings, and will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night. In the previous matchups, All-Star guard Trae Young was still on the roster.
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