Miami Heat shoot the lights out in 129-111 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
For years the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat have both been known for their defensive prowness. Not tonight. Instead there was a shootout in America Airlines arena. A shootout the Heat won handily while setting several records in the process.
Things got off to a bang, with the Heat scoring 36 points in the first quarter in a variety of ways. However, the Bulls scored right back, dominating the interior to score 30 points of their own. The Heat would jump out to a double digit lead, but as is too often the case this season, they let the Bulls back in the game at the end of the half. At the break, the score was 65-62 in favor of the Heat.
However, the Heat would take over the second half, led by Hassan Whiteside who scored on pick-and-rolls, mid-range jumpers, and foul shots. By mid-point through the fourth quarter the game was effectively over with the Heat up by 18 and the Bulls seeming to give up.
This game was record setting in several ways. The Heat shot 67.5% from the field, the best in Heat history and the highest the Bulls have ever given up. The Heat’s shooting percentage was the best in the NBA so far this season. Additionally, Joe Johnson passed Reggie Theus for 50th on the NBA’s career scoring list with his seventh point. Finally, Hassan Whiteside set a franchise best sixth straight double double off the bench.
Three Stars
Hassan Whiteside: Since the All-Star break, it’s like a light has switched on for Hassan Whiteside. Recording his sixth straight double double, Whiteside led all scorers with 26 points while adding 14 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 1 assist. Whiteside continues to change the narrative on himself, shooting 10/11 from the free throw line while continuing to display a newly found mid-range jumper.
Goran Dragic: The Dragon had a double double with 17 points and 11 assists. While Dragic continues to struggle from 3 point range, he has rediscovered his mid-range jumper which has allowed him to return to All-Star form. Dragic led all players with a +/- of +26.
Joe Johnson: It’s like Johnson has always been on the Heat. Johnson continued his seamless fit with the Heat, bringing the shooting threat the Heat have lacked all season. Johnson scored 24 points on an efficient 10/13 shooting. Johnson also added 5 rebounds and 4 assists while going 2/3 from 3-point range.
Up next
The Heat go for their third-straight win against the Phoenix Suns Thursday.