Dragić scores 20 in the 4th, leads Heat to win over Bulls
Dragić scores 20 in the 4th, leads Heat to win over Bulls (Miami, FL) – In their second game after the All-Star break, the Bulls faced a familiar opponent on Friday night against Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat.
Before Zach LaVine made the All-Star team this year, Butler was the last Bull to make it in 2017. Butler has only played in 24 games this season, but has led Miami to 8 wins in their last 10 games. Currently, Chicago is last in the league in turnovers per game at 16. Taking care of the ball will improve the Bulls’ chances to be victorious over the Heat.
Bulls, Heat tied at 42 after gritty first half
Both teams started out making 5 of their first 10 shots to begin the game. Miami had the slight advantage because of free throws, leading 14-13 with 7 minutes remaining in the 1st. Chicago tied the game shortly after at 16-16, but Miami went on a 9-0 run to create some separation. The Heat lead 29-21 going into the 2nd quarter
The Bulls bench scored the team’s first 9 points in the 2nd, reducing the Heat lead to 35-30 with 6.5 minutes left. In continuation of their comeback, the Bulls closed out the quarter on a 12-7 run. The game was tied at 42 going into halftime.
In a season where teams have scored 40 points in one quarter, both teams struggled to score that in the whole first half. Chicago shot 16/44 from the field (36%), Miami shot 14/42 (33%). Lavine and Butler led their teams as the only double-digit scorers in the half, with 10 and 13 points respectively.
LaVine and Butler duel in the 3rd
Markkanen joined LaVine in double-digits during the 3rd quarter, after consecutive three-pointers gave him 11 points. His shooting kept the game tight for the Bulls, with the Heat up 53-52 with 7 minutes left.
LaVine later hit his 3rd three-pointer of the quarter, which gave the Bulls their first lead since the 1st, at 68-67. LaVine had 15 points in the quarter, which Butler matched with 12 points of his own. The Heat led 70-68 going into the 4th
Dragić takes over, Heat win
The score remained close early in 4th, as the Heat led 73-72. After only scoring 5 points through three quarters, Goran Dragić went on a personal 8-0 run to give Miami an 81-72 advantage. Dragić continued to take over after that initial stretch, scoring 12 of Miami’s next 15 points. His barrage put them up 96-82 with 3.5 minutes left. The Heat won the game, 101-90.
Dragić scored 20 points in the 4th, but finished the game with 25 points overall. Jimmy Butler also was effective for the Heat, with 28 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. LaVine led Chicago with 30 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Markkanen added 20 points and 6 rebounds of his own.
Up Next
Miami (20-18) will play their next game against the Magic (13-25) at 6pm CT on Sunday.
Chicago (16-20) will also play on Sunday, but at 8pm CT against the Raptors (17-20).
Dragić scores 20 in the 4th, leads Heat to win over Bulls
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