The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls — they dismantled them. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at United Center in Chicago, the Heat rolled to a stunning 143-107 victory, their most lopsided win of the season. Led by rookie Kel'el Ware’s 20 points and 14 rebounds, and punctuated by Norman Powell’s 19-point outburst, Miami outscored Chicago by 36 points in a performance that felt more like a clinic than a game. The final buzzer didn’t just end the contest — it exposed a growing gap between two franchises on wildly different trajectories.
From the Opening Tip: Miami’s Offensive Surge
The Heat didn’t wait for the Bulls to settle in. They came out firing, dropping 36 points in the first quarter — a season-high for any opening frame this year. By the time the second quarter ended, Miami had stretched the lead to 70-52, thanks to relentless ball movement and a 47.0% shooting clip. Meanwhile, Chicago’s offense sputtered, missing open looks and turning the ball over 11 times in the first half alone. It wasn’t just scoring — it was rhythm. Every pass found its target. Every cut was timed. Even the bench players looked like starters.
Kel’el Ware Steals the Spotlight
At 7 feet tall and still learning the NBA game, Kel'el Ware has become Miami’s most surprising revelation. His 14 rebounds weren’t just about size — they were about timing. He outrebounded Chicago’s entire frontcourt in the second half, including a critical putback dunk at 3:14 in the third that sent the Heat bench into a frenzy. He didn’t need 25 shots to make an impact. He just needed space, and the Heat gave him plenty. "He’s got this quiet confidence," said assistant coach Eric Spoelstra postgame. "He doesn’t try to do too much. He just plays." And that’s exactly what made him unstoppable.
Bam Adebayo’s Playmaking Masterclass
While Ware dominated the glass, Bam Adebayo orchestrated the offense like a conductor. He finished with 12 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds — but his real legacy was in the assists. He set up Jevon Carter’s three at 3Q 06:55, then found Pelle Larsson for a wide-open corner three at 4Q 07:19. His 23-foot three-pointer with 7:19 left in the fourth? That wasn’t just a shot. It was a statement. The Bulls had no answer for his pick-and-roll gravity, and Miami’s offense exploded when he was on the floor.
The Bulls’ Collapse: More Than Just a Bad Night
Chicago’s 41.1% field goal shooting wasn’t an accident. It was the result of poor shot selection, stagnant offense, and defensive breakdowns. Patrick Williams’ 26-foot three at 3Q 07:08 was one of the few bright spots, but even that came when the game was already out of reach. Josh Giddey, who had 7 assists, looked lost trying to carry the offense alone. And with DeMar DeRozan sidelined due to a lingering hamstring strain, the Bulls had no go-to scorer when the pressure mounted. "We didn’t respond," said head coach Billy Donovan after the game. "They made us look like we were playing in slow motion."
Standings Shift: Heat Climb, Bulls Sink
With the win, the Miami Heat improved to 10-6, tying them with the Cleveland Cavaliers for third in the East — and extending their win streak to three games. They’re now just two wins behind the league-leading Detroit Pistons (13-2). Meanwhile, the Bulls fell to 8-7, dropping five games behind the conference lead and entering a dangerous stretch with back-to-back road games against Atlanta and Orlando next week. Their 1-game losing streak could easily become a slide if they don’t fix their half-court offense.
What’s Next? A Crucial Stretch for Both Teams
Miami’s next three games are all against playoff-caliber teams: home against the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, then road trips to Boston and Philadelphia. If they can sweep that stretch, they’ll be in serious contention for a top-two seed. Chicago, meanwhile, faces the Hornets and Wizards — teams they should beat. But after this performance, fans are asking: Can they even beat the bottom feeders anymore?
Behind the Scenes: The Numbers That Tell the Real Story
- Miami’s bench scored 58 points — the highest in the league this season
- 14 fast-break points for Miami, compared to just 5 for Chicago
- 27 assists on 47 made field goals — a 57.4% assist rate, elite efficiency
- Chicago committed 18 turnovers, leading to 25 Miami points
- Heat shot 52.4% from three in the fourth quarter — 11-of-21
The game was officiated by referees #3558, #859012, and #1348456, with no controversial calls reported. Broadcast on ESPN (Game ID: 401809793), the game drew over 1.2 million viewers — a 22% increase from last year’s Heat-Bulls matchup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kel'el Ware’s performance compare to other rookies this season?
Ware’s 20-point, 14-rebound game was the first double-double by a Miami rookie since Bam Adebayo in 2019. Among all rookies this season, only New York’s Obi Toppin (22 pts, 15 reb in October) has matched or exceeded those numbers. Ware’s efficiency — shooting 10-of-14 from the field — is the highest among rookies with 15+ rebounds this year.
Why is this game significant for the Heat’s playoff chances?
This win proved Miami can dominate even on the road against a team with playoff aspirations. Their 10-6 record puts them in the top half of the East, and with a 3-game winning streak, they’re gaining momentum. If they maintain their current pace, they’ll likely finish in the top 4 — avoiding the play-in tournament entirely. That’s huge for a team that’s been on the edge of the postseason for years.
What’s the biggest concern for the Chicago Bulls after this loss?
The Bulls’ biggest issue isn’t defense — it’s offense. They’re 27th in the league in assist-to-turnover ratio and 25th in second-chance points. Without DeMar DeRozan, they lack a reliable isolation scorer. Josh Giddey is talented, but he’s not built to carry a team. If they don’t acquire a scoring wing before the trade deadline, their season could spiral.
How did Miami’s bench contribute to the blowout?
Miami’s bench outscored Chicago’s 58-34 — the largest bench point differential in the NBA this season. Players like Dru Smith (14 points, 3 threes) and Simone Fontecchio (11 points, 6 rebounds) were electric. This depth is what separates Miami from teams like Chicago, whose bench scored just 12 points in the first half. Depth isn’t just nice — it’s winning.
What does this mean for the Eastern Conference race?
Detroit (13-2) is clearly the class of the East, but Miami’s win over Chicago signals they’re serious contenders. With the Cavaliers (11-6) and Hawks (9-7) also in the mix, the race for 2nd through 6th is wide open. Chicago’s loss drops them to 8th — now just one game ahead of the Bucks and Hornets. A single win streak could vault them back up — or another loss like this could bury them.
Was this game a fluke, or a sign of Miami’s true potential?
It wasn’t a fluke. The Heat have now scored 140+ points in two of their last three games. Their offensive rating is 122.3 — third in the league. This isn’t luck. It’s system. Coach Spoelstra has unlocked a new level of ball movement and spacing, and Ware’s emergence gives them a new dimension. This team isn’t just competitive — they’re becoming dangerous.
