The Miami Heat had to sweat it out late, but they did just enough to fend off a furious Chicago rally, holding on for a 116–113 win over the Bulls on Thursday night.
Norman Powell led the way for Miami with 21 points, while Bam Adebayo delivered a strong all-around performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds. The Heat appeared to be in control deep into the fourth quarter, building a 13-point lead and going up 104–92 with 8:02 remaining.
Chicago, however, refused to go quietly. Ayo Dosunmu sparked the comeback, scoring 23 points to lead the Bulls. After trailing 110–100, Dosunmu scored seven straight points — two layups and a 3-pointer — to cut the deficit to just three with 2:05 left. Powell answered with a layup, but Nikola Vucevic countered with a smooth turnaround hook to make it 112–109 with 54 seconds remaining.
The final minute turned into a free-throw battle. Dosunmu and Powell each knocked down two from the line, and after Pelle Larsson fouled Coby White, White calmly hit both free throws to pull Chicago within one with seven seconds to play.
That was as close as the Bulls would get. Larsson sealed the game moments later with a dunk, giving Miami a three-point cushion. White had a final look from beyond the arc, but his 3-point attempt rimmed out, allowing the Heat to escape with the win.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. chipped in 19 points and 10 rebounds for Chicago. Vucevic finished with 15 points and 10 boards, Matas Buzelis scored 16, Kevin Huerter added 15, and White finished with 14 points for the Bulls. Larsson scored 15 for Miami in a key supporting role.
The two teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch. This was the first of three straight meetings, with the next showdown set for Saturday night in Miami.
