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For the third year running, the Miami Heat have knocked the Chicago Bulls out of the NBA Play-In Tournament. Miami stormed past Chicago on Wednesday night, 109-90, behind a stellar 38-point showing from Tyler Herro, who set the tone early by hitting his first eight shots.
Miami held control from the jump, never trailing and building a 24-point lead by halftime—its largest at the break all season. Despite a brief Bulls push that trimmed the lead to 13 early in the fourth, the Heat responded with a final surge to close it out. With the win, Miami earns a trip to Atlanta on Friday for a shot at the East’s eighth seed and a first-round matchup with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers.
Herro’s all-around scoring display stood out, not just from deep but with layups, floaters, and tough mid-range shots. According to Coach Erik Spoelstra, the team’s spacing and unselfishness helped Herro find his rhythm. Bam Adebayo added a double-double with 15 points and 12 boards, while Andrew Wiggins chipped in 20 points and nine rebounds. Davion Mitchell also played a key role, adding 15 points and nine assists.
Defensively, Miami set the tone with 10 steals and seven blocks, holding a usually fast-paced Chicago team to its lowest point total of the season. The Bulls, who had swept Miami in the regular season, struggled offensively. Josh Giddey scored 25 points but on inefficient shooting, while Coby White shot 5-of-20 with seven turnovers.
The Bulls, who closed the season strong with a 15-6 run, finish with an identical 39-43 record to last year. Despite their efforts, they failed to overcome Miami’s postseason experience and urgency.
“It’s disappointing,” Giddey admitted. “Miami was locked in from the start—we weren’t. That cost us.”
The Heat, still fueled by their Finals pedigree, remain focused. “We’re not done yet,” Herro said. “Two road wins are the goal, and we’re halfway there.”
Friday’s clash with the Hawks will decide who earns the East’s final playoff spot—and who’s heading home.
READ MORE: Jimmy Butler Gets Real About the NBA Playoffs: ‘I Ain’t Scared of Nobody’
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