Heat crush Bulls 143-107 behind Ware’s 20-14 double-double in NBA Cup rout
The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls—they dismantled them. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, the Heat rolled to a 143-107 victory in an Emirates NBA Cup group stage game, turning what started as a competitive opener into a statement performance. Center Kel'el Ware led the charge with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Norman Powell added 19 points and two steals. For the Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu fought hard with 23 points and four assists, and Josh Giddey nearly notched a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists—but it wasn’t nearly enough.
A Comeback That Never Came
The Bulls opened strong, jumping out to an 18-11 lead in the first 5½ minutes. Fans in Chicago dared to hope. But then, everything changed. The Heat unleashed a 53-21 scoring run that spanned the rest of the first half. By the break, Miami led 70-45. That wasn’t a lead—it was a demolition. The Bulls never recovered. Their largest deficit of the season? Now 41 points. The previous worst? A 25-point loss to the New York Knicks on November 2. This? A whole new level of frustration.
Heat’s Offensive Fireworks
This wasn’t just a win. It was a milestone. The Heat’s 143 points marked their fourth game this season topping 140—a number that matches their total over the previous seven seasons combined (2018–2025). They entered the night averaging 124.8 points per game, the highest in the NBA, and this performance proved they’re not just scoring—they’re exploding. Bam Adebayo added 18 points, while guards Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell each chipped in 16. The team shot 53% from the field and dished out 36 assists. They didn’t just play well; they played like a well-oiled machine.
Bulls’ Struggles Mount
The Bulls’ 107 points might sound respectable, but it was a mirage. They were outrebounded 51-47, turned the ball over 18 times, and were outscored by 22 points in the paint. Their bench scored just 32 points compared to Miami’s 68. And then there was the ejection. In the third quarter, Kevin Huerter waved his hand in frustration after a foul call. The ball, still in motion, bounced off the referee’s leg. That was enough for Che Flores to toss him out. It was the kind of moment that summed up Chicago’s night—unfocused, emotional, and out of control.
Standings Shift as Heat Rise
The win pushed Miami to 10-6 overall and 2-1 in the Emirates NBA Cup, putting them half a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks for the top spot in Group C. More importantly, they now lead the Southeast Division—by a full game over the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic. Meanwhile, the Bulls dropped to 8-7 overall and 1-2 in Cup play, slipping to fifth in the Eastern Conference. They’re now tied with the Charlotte Hornets for the worst record among non-playoff hopefuls in the East.
What’s Next?
The Heat’s three-game winning streak is their longest of the season. They’re playing with confidence, depth, and rhythm. Their next Cup games are scheduled for January 8, January 30, and February 1, 2026—but opponents haven’t been finalized yet. For Chicago, the calendar doesn’t get easier. They face the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics in their next two games. Coach Billy Donovan will need answers—fast. Their offense is still functional, but their defense? It’s leaking like a sieve. They’ve allowed 121.9 points per game this season, and Friday’s collapse showed they’re not ready to compete with elite teams.
Why This Matters
This game wasn’t just about stats. It was about identity. The Heat are no longer a team trying to find their way. They’re a contender. Ware, a second-year center drafted 11th overall in 2024, is emerging as a legitimate interior force. Powell, acquired in a midseason trade last year, is now the team’s most reliable scorer. And Adebayo? He’s playing like an All-NBA candidate. Meanwhile, the Bulls are stuck in neutral. Giddey and Dosunmu are talented, but they’re surrounded by inconsistency. The gap between the top and bottom of the East is widening—and Chicago is on the wrong side of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kel'el Ware’s performance compare to his season averages?
Ware’s 20 points and 14 rebounds against the Bulls were career highs. He entered the game averaging 11.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. His efficiency—10-of-14 shooting—was a major upgrade from his season average of 52% field goal accuracy. This performance signaled his emergence as a legitimate starting center in the NBA.
Why is the Emirates NBA Cup significant for the Miami Heat?
The Emirates NBA Cup offers teams extra games with playoff implications, including seeding advantages and financial incentives. For the Heat, winning this group could mean home-court advantage in the Cup semifinals. More importantly, it gives them high-stakes games to build chemistry—especially with key players like Ware and Powell developing chemistry mid-season.
What does this loss mean for the Chicago Bulls’ playoff chances?
At 8-7, the Bulls are still in the playoff conversation, but they’re now just one game above the .500 mark. With the Eastern Conference tightening—Detroit and Cleveland are pulling away—the Bulls need to win 60% of their remaining games to feel safe. This loss exposed their lack of defensive cohesion, and without a major upgrade, they risk falling out of the top eight by February.
How unusual is a 143-point game in today’s NBA?
Only five teams scored 140+ points in the entire 2024-2025 season. The Heat have done it four times in just 16 games this year. That’s a sign of their offensive system working perfectly: ball movement, three-point shooting (they made 18 threes Friday), and transition play. They’re not just scoring—they’re redefining pace and efficiency in the modern NBA.
What was the impact of Kevin Huerter’s ejection?
Huerter’s ejection in the third quarter removed one of Chicago’s few reliable perimeter defenders and shooters. He was averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting 41% from three. His absence allowed Miami to stretch the floor even more, and the Bulls’ bench lost momentum. It was the final blow in a game that was already slipping away.
How does this result affect the Southeast Division race?
With the win, the Heat now lead the Southeast at 10-6, one game ahead of Atlanta and Orlando. The Hawks and Magic are both 9-7, but Miami has the tiebreaker advantage due to their head-to-head sweep. With the Hornets and Wizards struggling, the Heat are in control of their division destiny—and a potential top-four seed in the East could mean avoiding the Bucks or Celtics in the first round.
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