CHICAGO --- The Miami Heat shot a franchise-best 67.5 percent from the field and rolled past the Chicago Bulls, 129-111, on Wednesday night at the American Airlines Arena.
Newly-acquired shooting guard Joe Johnson, who was signed after his contract was bought out by the Brooklyn Nets earlier this week, led the impressive shooting display by making 10 of 13 field goals for 24 points along with five points and four assists. Hassan Whiteside was equally impressive with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Luol Deng, a former Bull, finished with 20 points while Dwyane Wade pitched in 18.
Miami, which has missed the services of All-Star Chris Bosh since February 9 due to an undisclosed illness, got 17 markers and 11 dimes from point guard Goran Dragic.
The Bulls were not able to stop the Heat despite the return of Derrick Rose from a three-game absence (sore hamstring). The Heat turned it up in the third quarter where they blitzed the Bulls 30-20 to grab a 95-83 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
Rose put up 17 points for the Bulls while Pau Gasol fell a rebound short for a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds. Chicago tried to hang tough on this road sortie but Miami scored 74 points in the paint en route to the easy victory. Taj Gibson logged 13 points for the Bulls, who fell out of the playoffs picture with a 30-29 record that is good only for ninth place in the Eastern Conference.
"We didn't execute the game plan. We knew this team was high-scoring in the paint. They picked us apart and got shots they wanted. We didn't force them to take 3s or long shots," Bulls center Pau Gasol told the Chicago Tribune post-game. We have to do a much better job of getting into bodies and forcing passes to the weak side. We have to start hitting bodes and being a lot more physical," Gasol added.
The Bulls hope to jump back to their winning ways Wednesday night (March 2) when they visit the Magic at the Amway Center in Orlando.
Photo: Dwyane Wade tries to elude a block from the outstretched arms of Pau Gasol. The Heat beat the Bulls, 129-111.
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