Heat earn Play-In Tournament win against Bulls for third year in a row

By: Cristopher Avello

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It was the Heat playing spoiler to the Bulls seeking their first Play-In victory on Wednesday for the third consecutive season in the NBA’s postseason. Herro led the way with 38 points and the Heat defeated the Bulls 109-90.

History flamed inside the United Center, are energized sizzle from post-regular season games against the champion Bulls of the 1990s — playing Miami three times during the Bulls six titles. And the Heat with flashbacks of Dwyane Wade, Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James playing the Bulls four times in the playoffs. 

The Heat had lost all three games during the year, by big fourth quarter shots from Giddey and White after trailing early in those meetings. The two teams acknowledged the growing rivalry forming before the playoffs. Coach Spoelstra saying, “Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo would have to get the job done for Miami, if they wanted to advance and play the Hawks.”

The Play-In scenario would need a victory against the Bulls; in the No. 9 vs No. 10 matchup. With the winner facing off against Atlanta for the final seed in the playoffs.

And the Heat didn’t have the luxury of winning one game. It was going to take two wins to get into the playoffs. The Heat remained healthy the last few weeks of the season and were prepared to face the team that “Humbled them” in the regular season, Coach Spoelstra said. 

Coming into the game the media featured many key X-factors to winning the game — Tyler Herro’s team leading 23.9 ppg urged debates against Josh Giddey’s season ending hot streak of triple doubles, most notably his performance against Miami when he made a dagger three-point shot with 16.1 seconds left.

During the season Giddey presented problems for the Heat with his dominate transition driving floaters and high percentage three-point field goals; emerging after the All-Star break and exit of Zach LaVine which gave him breathing room to create more on the ball. He said, “In terms of how we finished the year, I’m proud of this team and I think there’s a lot of good things to take going forward.”

Coach Spoelstra said after the game, “The matchup was Giddey against Bam, but then different guys stepped up defensively, Wiggs, Davian, and Kyle, who without scoring a basket in this game had just as much of an impact on this game as anybody.”

Miami’s defense was destructive at forcing the bulls to play a halfcourt game. The Heat imposed a will defensively and competitively on the glass and when they missed shots hustling back on defense; contributing to Miami’s 20-point lead with nine minutes left in the third quarter.

Coach Donovan said, “The disappointing part is that we didn't play to are identity, I talked about the turnovers, and the last two games having Bam guard Josh, it wasn't something we hadn't seen before, but we just didn't read the game well.”

The Bulls in two games during the season came storming back in the fourth quarter after being down 12 at home against the Heat — testing Miami’s durability and toughness to maintain leads. But that wasn't the case in this game, in the fourth quarter Tyler Herro and Davian Mitchell combined for 15 points on the offensive side and held Giddey to only one two field goals in the closing quarter.

Tyler Herro entered the game averaging nine three pointers a game and rose to the occasion, starting very aggressive with his first three touches coming on three downhill drives for his first three baskets. He began the night 8-8 from the field and finished 13-19 on the night. Tyler showed his competitiveness in this game, offensively finding his shots all game long. He also beat the Bulls in a lot of different ways, not just looking for high-pick and rolls. but moving off the ball showcasing his highly skilled development. Herro said after the game,“ I try to come in with the mind set to set the tone on defensive then fuel from there, they have their plays where they like to find Giddey and White in the pocket, and dealing with them is tough, I thought we were really destructive getting steals, deflections, and turning defense into offense. Then sharing the ball and flying around.”

Giddey after the game said, “Miami is well-coached a good team, they’ve been in this position before, we didn't come out with the right mentality, we thought we were better than what we showed tonight.”

The Heat were red hot scoring 39 points in the first quarter, one less than their season high — making 6-9 three pointers from the field. The Bulls couldn’t get anything started in the first half, losing the points on turnovers battle; giving up 13 points on 10 turnovers. Plus shooting 4-15 from three-point range. 

While the Bulls will go home and begin preparing for next season. Miami will play Atlanta for the No. 8 spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs on Friday at 7 p.m.