The Chicago Bulls delivered an exceptional performance reminiscent of the Michael Jordan era during Thursday’s NBA action. Still, they weren’t even achieved during that time by starting their game with a staggering 33-8 run against the Miami Heat, eventually winning 124-116.
The Bulls, coached by Billy Donovan, displayed remarkable energy from the outset. Coby White led the scoring with 26 points, while Ayo Dosunmu, coming off the bench, contributed 24 points. Nikola Vucevic also played a crucial role, finishing with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. DeMar DeRozan added 23 points to the Bulls’ tally.
“Really pleased with the way they came out,” Donovan said.
This early dominance, marked by a 25-point lead in the first quarter, was the largest for the Bulls since a game in 1997 when Jordan’s team led Golden State. Additionally, having four players score at least 23 points was an achievement last seen in a Bulls team in 1969.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Kyle Lowry of the Miami Heat acknowledged the Bulls’ high energy and accurate shooting. Jaime Jaquez Jr. topped Miami’s scoring with 22 points, supported by Jimmy Butler with 20, and both Lowry and Caleb Martin contributed 17 points each. Kevin Love added 16 points for the Heat.
“They made a lot of shots,” Lowry said. “Give them credit. They came out super-high energy.”
Despite the Bulls’ early lead, Miami showed resilience, narrowing the gap several times. They reduced the deficit to 14 by the end of the first quarter, and again closed in on the Bulls’ lead, making it a four-point game at halftime.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
Throughout the game, the Heat continued to close the gap, but the Bulls consistently responded with bursts of scoring to maintain their lead. A significant moment came when Dosunmu hit a crucial 3-pointer, quelling Miami’s final comeback attempt. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra recognized the Bulls’ aggressive start and didn’t make excuses for his team’s slower beginning.
“You do have to credit them,” Spoelstra said. “They jumped all over us. … We didn’t start the game with a lot of juice, and we’re not going to make any excuses about it.”
An unfortunate incident occurred for the Bulls when Alex Caruso, who had just returned from an ankle sprain, re-injured the same ankle early in the game and had to leave.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic, DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat Updates
The Heat, already missing key players like Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson, Haywood Highsmith, and Tyler Herro due to various injuries, received hopeful news from Herro about a possible return in their next game against Minnesota.
The teams are set to meet again in Miami for their fourth and final regular-season encounter.
