As the Miami Heat took to the hardwood for their play-in matchup against the Chicago Bulls, the odds were anything but in their favor. The Bulls, who held home court advantage in the No. 9 seed game, swept their regular season series against the Heat three games to none.
But none of that mattered in Wednesday night’s do-or-die contest. Recent history and home court aside, Miami showed up and showed out for its first win against Chicago this season – which, in turn, ended the latter’s 2024-25 campaign.
Following their 109-90 victory to advance to the No. 8 seed game, the Heat had just six words to say when posting their win to social media: “Got the win vs. Chicago that mattered.”
Got the win vs. Chicago that mattered pic.twitter.com/mIfEd7QOzt
Got the win vs. Chicago that mattered ☑️ pic.twitter.com/mIfEd7QOzt
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 17, 2025
Prior to Wednesday night’s showdown, all three games between Miami and Chicago this season had been close calls, with the Bulls narrowly emerging with single-digit victories in each one. This time around, however, the result was never in doubt, as the Heat took a 24-point lead into halftime and seemingly never looked back.
Tyler Herro led the way for Miami with 38 points on a 13-for-19 clip from the field, while Andrew Wiggins chipped in with 20 points and nine rebounds of his own. Bam Adebayo also came away with a 15-point, 12-rebound double-double to round out the Heat’s standouts on the evening.
For Chicago, Josh Giddey racked up 25 points and 10 rebounds on the evening for another impressive performance as of late – but one that wasn’t enough to overcome a seemingly rejuvenated Miami squad.
The Heat are now set to play in their third straight No. 8 seed game in just as many seasons. This time around, they’ll be on the road to take on the Atlanta Hawks. Tipoff time for that game is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
