Heat vs. Bulls NBA Play-In: How Miami's Victory Sets Up Crucial Match Against Hawks

Heat vs. Bulls NBA Play-In: How Miami's Victory Sets Up Crucial Match Against Hawks
Derek Falcone / Apr, 17 2025 / Sports

Miami Heat's Stunning Play-In Tournament Victory

The Miami Heat hit the court hard against the Chicago Bulls during the NBA Play-In Tournament on April 16, 2025. It was a crucial game, and the Heat didn't disappoint, pulling off a decisive 109-90 victory. The spotlight was clearly on Tyler Herro, who had an incredible night, scoring 38 points with 16 of those coming just in the first quarter. Herro was on fire, making it through the opening two quarters with a flawless 8-of-8 shooting performance. This early surge was critical in setting the pace for the game.

By halftime, the Heat had dominated the scoreboard, leading 71-47. Bam Adebayo also made significant contributions, recording a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Teammates Andrew Wiggins and Davion Mitchell supported the effort with 20 points and 15 points respectively, making sure the pressure was relentless on the Bulls.

Bulls' Struggles and What's Next for the Heat

Bulls' Struggles and What's Next for the Heat

The Bulls, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, hitting only 27% of their three-point attempts. This was a major factor that contributed to Chicago's woes on the court.

For Miami, this victory means more than just advancing. On Friday, April 18, they head into a high-stakes matchup against the Atlanta Hawks. The winner not only secures the prized No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference but also sets the stage for a first-round showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With Tyler Herro in prime form and the team riding high, the upcoming clash against the Hawks has all the makings of a thrilling encounter. Fans and players alike know what's at stake, and with the Heat's current momentum, they'll be pushing hard for that playoff berth.