Heat vs. Bulls: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
Game Time: 8:00 PM EDT on Saturday April 2, 2022
Miami Heat 127, Chicago Bulls 109 (Final)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoopsCoby White: “The bad thing would be if I stopped shooting.” Thought he had clean looks all night. “I love those shots for me … I’m going to keep shooting.” – 11:05 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Coby White is watching the end of Duke-UNC as he comes to address reporters. He’s giving play by play. This is wild. – 11:03 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: Coby White media availability following tonight’s game against the Heat twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 11:02 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Tyler Herro on Dewayne Dedmon:
“That’s why we call him the mechanic…I think he’s the best back-up big in the league.”
Shout-out @miaheatbeat – 11:01 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Solid night of work for The Mechanic off the bench 🔧 pic.twitter.com/7jDl7JdSqs – 11:01 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Tyler Herro:
“I think we’re ready. I think we’ve been ready for the playoffs.”
“I’m young, I’m ready.” – 11:00 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Tyler Herro: “I think we’re ready. I think we’ve been ready for the playoffs.” – 11:00 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Tyler Herro on going 6 for 7 from three and 0 for 9 from two:
“It was just an unusual scoring night for me.” – 10:59 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: Zach LaVine media availability following tonight’s game against the Heat twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:57 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Chicago Bulls entered tonight’s Miami Heat matchup facing familiar questions about whether they can beat the best in the East.
The 127-109 blowout provided the same bitter answer.
Early story from the loss as the Bulls drop to sixth in the standings: chicagotribune.com/sports/bulls/c… – 10:56 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#6MOTYLER #6MOTYLER #6MOTYLER pic.twitter.com/EHF8Ac6kQn – 10:55 PM Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Billy Donovan acknowledges Alex Caruso’s back spasms are a “problem”
“He’s just not right” Donovan said, although he says it’s nothing long-term. Caruso went 0-2 tonight in 22 minutes – 10:52 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso asked to come out of the third quarter in pain from his ongoing back injury.
Not a long-term concern or under a minutes restriction, but: “It’s a problem. … He’s hobbled. He’s just not right.” – 10:50 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Donovan is now trying to manage Caruso minutes moving forward, at least until the back improves. “He’s just not right,” Donovan said of Caruso. – 10:50 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Miami was nearly perfectly offensively tonight in Chicago, finishing the game with a 138.0 rating.
@CoupNBA breaks down the offensive strategy plus more Takeaways from yet another W over the Bulls – 10:49 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan said Alex Caruso is dealing with back spasms and asked to come out in the 3rd: “It’s a problem. It’s nothing long-term.” – 10:49 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Billy Donovan said Caruso’s back issues are now “a problem.” – 10:49 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Billy Donovan wants Coby White to contribute in other areas while he’s in a shooting slump: “He can get more into the game.” – 10:48 PM Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Billy Donovan after the Bulls loss to the Heat tonight: “We have a long way to go to be at their level” – 10:45 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
WINdy City 🔥
swept the season series
winners of 14 of our last 17 games vs Chicago pic.twitter.com/48zvEiqUQG – 10:44 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Donovan: “We have a long way to go to get to their level. I think that’s clear.” #Bulls – 10:44 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Billy Donovan after tonight’s home loss to Miami: “We have a long way to go to be at their level. I think that’s clear.” – 10:44 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Billy Donovan after Bulls’ 127-109 loss to Heat: “We have a long way to go to be at their level.” – 10:44 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
LIVE: Coach Billy Donovan media availability following tonight’s game against the Heat twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1… – 10:43 PM Andy Larsen @andyblarsen
This is the exact opposite of the Miracle in Miami week. – 10:43 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
50 WINS – 10:42 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Another W on the road, take a look Through the Lens at tonight’s game in Chicago 📸 – 10:39 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#HEATWin final – Miami 127, Chicago 109
🔥 Butler: 22pts, 7rebs & 6asts
🔥 Lowry: 19pts & 10asts
🔥 Herro: 19pts & 8rebs
🔥 Adebayo: 16pts & 7rebs
🔥 Dedmon: 14pts & 5rebs
🔥 Vincent: 13pts, 3asts, 3 3PM
🔥 Strus: 10pts pic.twitter.com/vJwaw8PDrX – 10:35 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
NEW: Heat strengthens hold on top spot in the East with blowout win over Bulls. Takeaways and details from one of the Heat’s best offensive performances of the season miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 10:30 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Oh we definitely gonna play the music 🎶 #WINNING pic.twitter.com/CScRzKPtpa – 10:28 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
On to the next one. pic.twitter.com/brzMRaS1by – 10:27 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat solidify hold on No. 1 seed, reach 50 wins with 127-109 decision in Chicago. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 10:26 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
With Chicago’s loss to Miami, Toronto now takes .5 on the 5-seed in the East. If it all ended today, the Sixers would host the Raptors in a 4-5 series. – 10:24 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Heat went 17 for 34 from 3 and rolled over #Bulls 127-109. Zach LaVine scoring 33 was pretty much the lone highlight for Bulls. Patrick Williams hit double digits (12 pts) for the second straight game. – 10:24 PM Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Bulls get blown out by the Heat, 127-109, and drop another game vs an elite team.
Chicago falls to No. 6 in the East with four games remaining – 10:24 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
This one was never in doubt pic.twitter.com/5EFt76NLtl – 10:24 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Winderman’s view: Spoelstra inclined for nine even with full deck, plus Heat-Bulls thoughts. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 10:23 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Final: Miami 127 Bulls 109. – 10:23 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
Final: Heat 127, Bulls 109.
The stats don’t matter. The Bulls got outclassed again by one of the league’s elite teams.
The Bulls are now 45-33 and fall to sixth place. – 10:22 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
FINAL: Heat 127, Bulls 109. Heat’s 50th win of the season. – 10:22 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Final: Heat 127, Bulls 109
LaVine: 33 pts
DeRozan: 26 pts, 6-18 FG (13-13 FT)
Butler: 22-7-6
Heat sweep season series 4-0
Bulls fall to 45-33 and 6th in East behind Raptors (by half a game) – 10:22 PM Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Kyle and the Heat do the Raptors a solid and beat the Bulls. Toronto is now in sole possession of 5th place with a game in hand on Chicago. Miami in town tomorrow. – 10:22 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Heat 127, Bulls 109
LaVine 33 pts
DeRozan 26 pts (13-13 FTs)
White 0-9 (0-7 from 3)
Butler 22 pts
Lowry 19 pts, 10 assists
Bench points: Heat 56-27 – 10:22 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
🚨New Piece🚨
Five Takeaways from Heat’s Win Over Bulls
Touching on individual play from Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Dewayne Dedmon
Plus diving into the early Spo adjustment offensively leading to 3 straight Herro 3’s
@5ReasonsSports fivereasonssports.com/news/five-take… – 10:21 PM Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Heat get to 50 wins. First time since 2013-14.
And now they’re taking the Greatest Raptor Of All Time to Canada for what will be an amazing scene tomorrow. – 10:20 PM StatMuse @statmuse
Teams with more wins than losses in every month this season:
1. Miami Heat
End of list. pic.twitter.com/4oTmhYmW8Z – 10:20 PM Wayne Cole @waynec0le
The Capital City GoGo lose a tough one in Chicago 106 – 99 and drop to the 4th seed in the @nbagleague playoffs. – 10:19 PM StatMuse @statmuse
The Bulls are 2-19 vs the top 8 teams in the league. pic.twitter.com/Sfe26fWMw7 – 10:18 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bulls will drop to 6th behind idle Raptors with this loss.
They also will fall to 2-19 vs. top-4 teams from both conferences. – 10:17 PM Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Nets lose at Atlanta, Heat win at Chicago.
The Celtics can still finish anywhere from 1-6, their updated magic numbers entering Sunday…
5-seed: 2 (Chicago)
4-seed: 3 (Toronto)
3-seed: 4 (Philadelphia)
1-seed: 6 (Miami/Milwaukee)
The East with 4-5 games/8 days left… pic.twitter.com/uPlMIScYvM – 10:16 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Derrick Jones Jr. checks in for mop-up time. – 10:15 PM Ethan J. Skolnick @EthanJSkolnick
The Miami Heat have won 50 games for the 10th time since Pat Riley took over. They also would have eclipsed 50 in seasons shortened by a lockout and Covid.
@5ReasonsSports – 10:15 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Heat shooting 52% from three in this one to Chicago’s 27% – 10:15 PM Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Shaping up that the Bulls are going to be 1-18 against the top 4 in the East + the top 3 in the West. – 10:10 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Jimmy Butler has had a lot of space to work in tonight. Helps when the Heat is shooting better than 50 percent on threes. – 10:09 PM Darnell Mayberry @DarnellMayberry
The Bulls can’t stop fouling 3-point shooters, and Coby White’s face after this one by Zach LaVine says it all. Tough night throughout for the Bulls at home against the Heat. pic.twitter.com/YICCOkX4YF – 10:03 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
our bench is outscoring theirs 43-17 pic.twitter.com/CXT48FFHrI – 10:01 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls about to move to 0-17 against Mil, Miami, Philly, Phx, GState and Memphis this season. I’ll throw Boston in to make you all feel better because I’m Mr. Positive – 1-18. – 10:01 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Hate to bring this up, but Tyler Herro is 6-for-7 from 3, Coby White 0-for-7. #Bulls getting trounced. – 10:01 PM Josh Martin @LonzoWire
DeRozan put on a show as the Bulls got a much-needed victory in overtime. lonzowire.usatoday.com/lists/nba-twit… – 10:00 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Really good night for Dewayne Dedmon
This type of production in the playoffs will be key
He looks energized a ton
You can tell when he rolls – 9:58 PM Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Presuming Heat hold on to 19 pt 4Q lead vs Bulls, Raptors will be in 5th place alone, 1.5 games out of 4th and rested when they host Lowry and Heat on 2nd night of a back-to-back. – 9:57 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Stop me if you’ve heard this before; Gabe Vincent is raining fourth-quarter 3s at the United Center – 9:55 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Bulls broke in the third quarter again, allowing the Heat to run up a 20-point lead.
Now attempting to dig out of another fourth quarter hole after giving up a 32-22 quarter. – 9:53 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Heading to the 4th. pic.twitter.com/VUTNuZUV6I – 9:51 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Kyle Lowry’s eighth assist moved him past Reggie Theus for 29th on the NBA all-time assist list and his ninth moved him past John Lucas for 28th. He has 10. – 9:50 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
On to the 4th we go pic.twitter.com/jBwGQe7irg – 9:50 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Bam Adebayo’s 16th point moved him past Hassan Whiteside for 13th on the Heat all-time list. – 9:50 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
72 points at the end of 3rd from Butler, Bam, Lowry, Herro – 9:50 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Seen this game before … You all still want Miami Round 1? Didn’t think so! – 9:49 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
So does Lowry sit out the fourth to get ready for date night Sunday in Toronto? – 9:49 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat create separation, go into fourth up 98-79. Butler with 19, Lowry with 19, Herro 18, Adebayo 16. – 9:48 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
End of third quarter: Heat 98, Bulls 79. – 9:48 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
If only the #Bulls during their rebuild drafted as well as Miami did in a non-rebuild – 9:47 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Heat now shooting 59 percent from the field and 12 of 21 (57.1 percent) on threes.
Heat ahead by 19. – 9:47 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
come for the P.J. diving hustle play, stay for the #6MOTYLER bucket pic.twitter.com/z7UC1IO6E0 – 9:47 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Coby White is 2-for-23 from 3-point range over last 5 games. – 9:46 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Nobody plays harder than PJ Tucker – 9:42 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
P.J. Tucker slap-back offensive rebound leads to a Herro three. The. Little. Things. – 9:41 PM Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
PJ Tucker in the Oklahoma Jordan 6 PE (he says it’s “still Hook Em!” though) and an original All-Star Kobe 2 PE today. pic.twitter.com/YkYljgbDdF – 9:40 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Heat currently with an offensive rating 137.9 in this game, per @Ben Falk. That’s good. – 9:38 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
the clip you’ve all been waiting patiently for
🗣 THROW IT DOWN MAX pic.twitter.com/cZdh8xgXUK – 9:36 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Live look-in on the Heat bench …
youtube.com/watch?v=Q_Pqrb… – 9:32 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Like tonight, teams are going to trap DeRozan in the playoffs. Can’t have players passing up open 3-point shots like both Williams and Caruso did on that possession that ended in TO and Strus transition hoop. – 9:32 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
See Strus Steal
See Strus Score pic.twitter.com/zuSShAmQAa – 9:32 PM Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Capital City GoGo 81
Windy City Bulls 86
End of Q3 | #GoGoRollCall
Jordan Schakel 16
Jordan Goodwin 14 – 9:31 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
GO OFF THEN MAX – 9:31 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Holy s–t, Max Strus with the one-handed, over-the-top alley-oop finish. – 9:30 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
If Max Strus starting unleashes Jimmy Butler’s jumper, he ain’t leaving this unit – 9:27 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Are more Jimmy Butler threes coming? My story: miamiherald.com/sports/nba/mia… – 9:26 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
My daily tweet that Kyle Lowry’s pull up shifts the way Miami runs offense – 9:25 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Lowry starts second half, seems to be moving fine. – 9:24 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Lowry has been outstanding for the Heat- he’s in Toronto tomorrow for the first time…I spoke briefly with Kyle prior to the game and he’s extremely humbled and excited. Great person. @Toronto Raptors – 9:24 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Bulls down 66-57 at half. Miami 57% LaVine with 18. – 9:19 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Third quarter will be huge for Bulls. Last time they met in Miami at the end of February, came out in the third and had the doors blown off, getting outscored 36-21. – 9:15 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
2⃣2⃣ not messing around in the first half pic.twitter.com/ypOTsf8Yek – 9:14 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Shots are falling tonight pic.twitter.com/gLs1X07jrt – 9:12 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Halftime.
Zach LaVine: 18 pts (7-13 FG), 3 reb
DeMar DeRozan: 10 points pic.twitter.com/up6aigQSfR – 9:11 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Heat lead 66-57 at the half after remaining comfortably in control from the opening whistle.
LaVine (18 points) and DeRozan (10 points) combine for 28 points. The rest of the Bulls roster combined scores the remaining 29.
Butler leads the Heat with 16. – 9:11 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Heat are hitting more shots, playing more impactful defense and lead #Bulls at half 66-57. LaVine had 18 pts, DeRozan 10.
Butler getting into playoff mode with 16 pts, Lowry had 14. Adebayo has 3 fouls, but both he and backup center Dedmon have 10 pts – 9:10 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
My first half evaluation is that Spo picking up on that over-help super early has allowed Miami to get out to this 9 point lead at half
More empty corner stuff, more baseline drives = more open corner threes, more kick outs – 9:10 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
First half went as expected … cute little start by the Bulls, then Miami showed why they are tougher, smarter, and better at this point. Let’s see if the Bulls can flip the trend against the league’s elite in the second half. – 9:10 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Halftime: Heat 66, Bulls 57
LaVine: 18 pts, 4-8 3P
DeRozan: 10 pts, 2-11 FG
Butler: 16-4-4
Lowry: 14 pts
Adebayo: 10 pts, 3 fouls
Heat shot 59% – 9:09 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Halftime: Heat 66, Bulls 57. Jimmy Butler with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting. Kyle Lowry with 14 points on 4-of-7 shooting. Heat shooting 57.5 percent as a team. – 9:09 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Heat 66, Bulls 57 at half
LaVine 18 pts
DeRozan 10 pts
Vucevic 8 pts, 6 rebs, 3 assists
Butler 16 pts, 4 assists
Lowry 14 pts, 5 assists
Heat 57.5% FG – 9:08 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 66, Bulls 57 at half. Butler with 16 for Heat, LaVine 18 for Bulls. – 9:08 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Ayo Dosunmu and Coby White have both given up critical fouls on 3-point shooters in recent games.
Billy Donovan often talks about the inexperience evident in both players; those fouls are one of the clearest examples. – 9:08 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Pat finds Ayo in stride!
@NBCSChicago | @AyoDos_11 pic.twitter.com/cwkwhZnqlJ – 9:07 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Kyle Lowry fouled on a three and hobbling to the bench. Looked like he was grabbing his ankle after stepping on the defender’s foot when landing on the shot.
Ruled a flagrant. Three free throws and the ball. – 9:07 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Ayo Dosunmu received a flagrant foul after landing under Kyle Lowry during a 3-point shot, sending him right into the lap of a courtside fan. – 9:07 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Toronto alert: Lowry lands awkwardly on his ankle when fouled on 3s. Gets up limping. Checking to see if he was flagrant-ed. – 9:06 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Dewayne Dedmon rolling to the rim with force. He has 10 points and four rebounds in nine minutes off the bench. – 9:03 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
29 of the Heat’s 36 field goal attempts have come from Lowry-Herro-Butler-Bam
The shift is happening – 9:00 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Didn’t expect Derrick Jones Jr. to re-enter rotation tonight. But if he doesn’t play at all, it only emphasizes how out of rotation he is. Few teams he matches up better with than the Heat. Played 20 and 16 minutes in other two games he was available for against them. – 8:57 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Mano a mano. pic.twitter.com/L9bAaxepgc – 8:57 PM Wayne Cole @waynec0le
Capital City GoGo 59
Windy City Bulls 53
Halftime | #GoGoRollCall
Jordan Schakel leads all scorers with 12 – 8:52 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
During Miami’s losing streak, Jimmy Butler didn’t look energized
It wasn’t about the jumper, it was about his mannerisms in the other parts of the game
Right now he’s at high level competitive levels – 8:49 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
It’s worth repeating … Bulls, Timberwolves … both kicking around in mediocrity … Jimmy Butler won the 2017 trade! – 8:49 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Jimmy Butler already with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Heat shooting 62.5 percent.
But Bulls with zero turnovers, so hanging around. Heat leads 47-43. – 8:48 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
we don’t understand how he does these things but we sure do appreciate it pic.twitter.com/4KcMTTdXiG – 8:45 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Jimmy Butler’s 11th point moved him past Brian Grant for 18th on the Heat all-time list. – 8:44 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Coby White’s 0-for-5 deepening his recent slump. And his matchup on Butler isn’t a good one. – 8:42 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Jimmy Butler at the “four” again, playing alongside Vincent, Herro, Robinson and Adebayo. – 8:40 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Tyler Herro with 3 straight triples
Why, you may ask?
Heat’s adjustment since the Bulls over-help is to attack baseline and make the kick-out
Herro capitalizes 3 plays in a row – 8:39 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
can’t leave that man open in the corner pic.twitter.com/9jXZi9stVi – 8:39 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Tyler Herro has hit 3 3-pointers in less than 90 seconds. Coby White is 0-for-4 from 3. #Bulls trail 40-34 early 2ndQ – 8:39 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
After having his shot blocked three times in the first quarter, Tyler Herro has made three threes in the first three minutes of the second quarter. – 8:38 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
This team allows so many corner 3’s since they over help a ton
Miami has to take advantage – 8:37 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
They’re bringing back old Bennys tonight. Hard to top the Benny that was ejected during a game. #Bulls pic.twitter.com/J8M0VFqHBn – 8:36 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Tristan Thompson with his 500th career block in the 1st quarter. Miami 31-30 LaVine with 11. Lowry 9. – 8:36 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
Keeping things close after Q1 pic.twitter.com/ooFcuQ4rnd – 8:35 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Dewayne Dedmon providing solid minutes like this will be a game changer moving forward
Especially when Bam is in foul trouble
He’s been active tonight – 8:34 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach LaVine has 11 points after 1Q. pic.twitter.com/EN12222QCv – 8:34 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Coby White is 2 for his last 21 from 3-point range. Entered night 2-for-17 in last four games, 0-for-4 in that first quarter – 8:34 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Heat lead Bulls 31-30 after one. Miami shot 66.7%, but Bulls winning OREB (5-1) and turnover (4-0) battles to generate extra opportunities – 8:33 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
End of first quarter: Heat 31, Bulls 30. Kyle Lowry (9 points), Jimmy Butler (7 points), Bam Adebayo (6 points) have combined for 22 of the Heat’s points. – 8:33 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat 31, Bulls 30 after one. Lowry with nine points for the Heat, LaVine 11 for Bulls. – 8:32 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Tyler Herro’s first three shots all blocked. To his credit, he continues to attack. – 8:31 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Before that last miss, Heat was shooting 70% from field, but losing to #Bulls 30-27. Not sure if that’s good sign or bad for the home squad. – 8:29 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Duncan Robinson and Gabe Vincent about to enter ahead of Caleb Martin. Heat’s four-man bench rotation tonight: Dedmon, Herro, Vincent and Robinson.
Will Heat extend the rotation to 10 to get Martin in? – 8:29 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Duncan Robinson about to enter, ahead of Caleb Martin. – 8:28 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
PATRICK WILLIAMS BLOCK PARTY 🎉
@NBCSChicago | @Patrick Williams pic.twitter.com/E0NDvSX0ZH – 8:28 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
If Patrick Williams is going to defend like this, you can’t keep driving strong side to allow him to freely help
That’ll be the adjustment here
More empty corner PnR’s for Herro – 8:26 PM Wayne Cole @waynec0le
The Capital City GoGo started the quarter slow but lead the Windy City Bulls after 1, 24-21.
** with a win the GoGo clinch the second seed and first round bye in the playoffs. #GoGoRollCall – 8:25 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Pregame, Billy Donovan told us he challenged Patrick Williams to build on last game. Impressive start. – 8:25 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Patrick Williams with two blocks and a layup-Bulls down 27-25. 3:54 left 1st – 8:25 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Patrick Williams with some momentum-shifting plays early. Two straight blocks of Tyler Herro — first one was a snatch, second one ends in a layup for Williams at other end – 8:24 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
The Heat start out hot, shooting 12-for-13 to open this one.
Patrick Williams cools things off a little with a pair of massive blocks to set up back-to-back buckets for the Bulls.
Quick surge to cut the lead to 27-25, forcing a Miami timeout. – 8:24 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Heat open 11-12 from field with 8 assists. Absolute clinic thus far. – 8:22 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Kyle Lowry already with nine points on 4-of-4 shooting. Heat has made 11 of its first 12 shots. – 8:22 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Lowry opens 4 of 4. Will he have anything left for Toronto? – 8:22 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
LaVine into double figures in first 6 minutes – 8:21 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Bam’s foul trouble early shifts the usual substitution pattern
Back to the Butler-Tucker-Dedmon frontcourt which isn’t ideal
But that mid-range from Butler makes it work
His jumpers peaking at the right time it appears – 8:18 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Heat open 8 of 9 from the field and lead 18-15.
If the Heat continue to shoot 88.9 percent, they are going to be a tough team to beat, imo. – 8:18 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Dedmon just crushed Caruso on a screen. Didn’t appear to be much communication from teammates. – 8:17 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Bam Adebayo looking comfortable in the mid-range
Taking tough shots
But there’s a difference from tough shots 1-on-1 and him seeing a double
Spacing much better
Now he exits after 2nd foul – 8:17 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
when in doubt, dish it to Bam 💪 pic.twitter.com/lHfpBun3OD – 8:16 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Bam Adebayo called for his second foul with 7:14 left in the first quarter. Dedmon entering. – 8:16 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Jimmy Butler with slight lift in the corner for 3
He’s a flat footed shooter
But that slight jump from him gives him his best chance – 8:15 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach’s stepback game is butter.
@NBCSChicago | @Zach LaVine pic.twitter.com/G4HGz0ixEJ – 8:15 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Zach LaVine opens tonight’s game against the Miami Heat with three straight 3-pointers.
Big rowdy crowd at the United Center tonight to greet each shot. – 8:14 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Zach opens the game 3-3 from three 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yYXapjcXVn – 8:13 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Zach LaVine starts 3 of 3 from deep. Bulls lead Heat 11-8. – 8:13 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Zach LaVine opens 3 for 3 on 3s for Bulls. – 8:13 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
First play of game
Lowry-Tucker DHO into PJ floater
As I’ve hinted at lately, Heat knew they had to shift from Butler-Tucker actions to Lowry-Tucker actions – 8:12 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Game time. 👀🔴 pic.twitter.com/cPDGJXNWdg – 8:12 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#HEATNation check in 📍
Who’s up with us tonight? pic.twitter.com/0HlYYfv70W – 8:10 PM Barry Jackson @flasportsbuzz
The Dolphins added more than $15 M in 2022 cap space over past 24 hours, based on Parker trade & annual breakdown of Howard contract reported by @ProFootballTalk.. So Miami – which already had $11 M – in cap space now has nice nest egg to use in next 9 months or carry over to 23 – 8:00 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Bulls coach Billy Donovan explained why he’s not ready to just unleash Patrick Williams over the final few games of the regular season. The kid still needs to show more …
Read it:
chicago.suntimes.com/bulls/2022/4/2… – 8:00 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
👀🔴 – 8:00 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat with the new usual starters: Bam Adebayo, P.J. Tucker, Jimmy Butler, Max Strus and Kyle Lowry. – 7:33 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
New city, same
Starting 5 // @DoorDash pic.twitter.com/1CmclnusBn – 7:33 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Starters tonight against Miami.
@FirstAlert | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/38UipnU8k6 – 7:30 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
DeMar in his “Fiesta” Kobe 5 Protro PEs.
@DeMar DeRozan | #BullsKicks pic.twitter.com/h4O9w8ywaC – 7:16 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
windy city wardrobe pic.twitter.com/HpqPZwPzvY – 7:15 PM Chuck Cooperstein @coopmavs
Kansas can be good at any time. But when they get McCormack engaged as they did in the 2nd half vs Miami and in the 1st half today, they’re almost impossible to beat – 6:50 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat for the first time (seemingly ever) have 17 available players tonight. So with Caleb Martin back . . . 10-man rotation, or a new odd man out? Heat-Bulls, 8 p.m., Bally Sports Sun. – 6:39 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Three Miami players listed as questionable including Max Strus are available tonight . – 6:37 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
#MIAvsCHI INJURY UPDATE: Caleb Martin (Achilles) will be available to play in tonight’s game vs the Bulls. – 6:37 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
All three questionable Heat players (Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent) available tonight vs. Bulls. All 15 Heat players available for a game for the first time this season. – 6:37 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Miami’s Gabe Vincent, Max Strus and Caleb Martin are all available for Bulls-Heat. Had been questionable – 6:36 PM Brady Hawk @BradyHawk305
Full squad for the Miami Heat tonight 1 through 17 – 6:36 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Heat says everyone is available tonight vs. #Bulls – 6:36 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat injury update:
Vincent (toe): available.
Strus (shoulder): available.
Martin (calf): available. – 6:35 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Billy Donovan on the Heat: “They’re battle tested in a lot of ways.” Calls the Heat an “elite team.” – 6:27 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Billy Donovan on the Heat, “they’re battled tested in a lot of ways.” – 6:27 PM Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Lonzo Ball hasn’t started sprinting yet, per Billy Donovan. Ball is still in the “ramp up” process and Donovan hopes to know more about his status Tuesday or Wednesday – 6:22 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Fresh off 50.
@DeMar DeRozan | @zennioptical pic.twitter.com/6KyE1Aak3K – 6:19 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Billy Donovan said Bulls are in process of “slowly building” Lonzo Ball toward sprinting/cutting. Not to full speed yet. Said he expects to know more middle of next week — Tuesday or Wednesday – 6:19 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Zach LaVine will play tonight. – 6:18 PM Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Lonzo Ball will not begin ramping back up into sprinting/cutting drills early next week, Billy Donovan says.
Bulls should know more about his status Tuesday or Wednesday. – 6:18 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Early next week they start figuring things out for Lonzo Ball, according to Billy D. Hasn’t started the sprinting process yet. – 6:18 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Billy Donovan says Zach LaVine will play tonight vs. Heat. LaVine was probable with knee soreness. – 6:18 PM Mike McGraw @McGrawDHSports
Donovan says it will be early next week before they really know anything about Lonzo Ball’s ramp-up. #Bulls – 6:18 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Billy Donovan says Zach LaVine is good to go. Was listed as probable. – 6:18 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
LaVine is a go tonight. – 6:17 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Tonight’s T-shirt giveaway from @goaawol!
RT now for a chance to win – the only way to get this shirt. pic.twitter.com/R3k7uCEFOM – 6:00 PM Anthony Chiang @Anthony_Chiang
Could the Heat have all 17 players available tonight vs. Bulls? Mychal Mulder and Javonte Smart both with the team in Chicago, and Caleb Martin, Max Strus and Gabe Vincent all questionable. – 5:40 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
With the G League season ending tonight for the Heat affiliate, Mychal Mulder and Javonte Smart are back with the Heat. Because they are on two-way deals, they are ineligible for the playoff roster. – 5:32 PM Josh Lewenberg @JLew1050
Malachi Flynn is listed as questionable for tomorrow’s game vs Miami. He logged 14 minutes in a rehab game with the 905 today (2 points, 1-6 FG, 0-4 3P, 4 assists). Yuta Watanabe is also questionable. – 4:55 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — Heat’s Victor Oladipo offers candor about biding his time as Erik Spoelstra tightens rotation. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 4:47 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — Ira Winderman: For the Heat, it didn’t have to be this way. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 4:47 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — Tim Hardaway: Once gloves came off with Heat, it was game on for Hall selection. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 4:47 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
From earlier — ASK IRA: Could Heat, Erik Spoelstra roll with 10 in playoff rotation? sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… – 4:47 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Happy Birthday to the GOATuh, @Chicago Bulls 😂 @bennythebull pic.twitter.com/589Qnp8fPc – 4:37 PM Miami Heat @MiamiHEAT
The newest HEAT Legend to enter the @HoopHall spent 6 seasons in a Miami uniform and accomplished a lot.
See what @HardawaySr did to earn his spot in the Class of 2022 – 4:36 PM Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
76ers and Cavs win … 4th seed Philly 2 games behind 1st place Miami- 76ers lead Bulls/Raps by 2 games with 5 games left . – 4:16 PM Rob Schaefer @rob_schaef
Cavs beat Knicks, so Bulls’ magic number to clinch a playoff berth holds at 2. Can move to 1 with win over Heat tonight – 3:50 PM Chicago Bulls @chicagobulls
Don’t be so quick to count us out. pic.twitter.com/C9igcSrkCb – 3:11 PM KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Forgot to check yesterday. But on lengthiest L2M report I can recall, officials accurately called 52/53 reviewable plays in Bulls-Clippers OT game. That included Mann’s away-from-play foul and George fouling DeRozan on 3-pt attempt. Only miss? Green D3seconds uncalled late in reg – 3:09 PM Joe Cowley @JCowleyHoops
Sixers dismantle Hornets – go 2 games up on Bulls for the No. 4 spot. That was a clinic. – 3:06 PM Rod Boone @rodboone
Final: Sixers 144, #Hornets 114
That’s a rough one.
Up next: at Miami on Tuesday – 2:46 PM Sean Grande @SeanGrandePBP
Sixers blow out the Hornets, and move to within a half game of the Celtics for 3rd/Atlantic Division lead (Boston owns the tie-breaker)
Big night ahead in the East race…
Miami at Chicago
Brooklyn at Atlanta (currently tied for 8th)
Six of the East top 7 play Sunday. pic.twitter.com/46YL1GhhLV – 2:38 PM Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Heat’s Victor Oladipo offers candor about biding his time as Erik Spoelstra tightens rotation. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… “It just is what it is. At the end of the day, it’s bigger than me. So I just got to continue to keep getting strong, keep doing what I can, to stay ready.” – 2:02 PM