The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls — they dismantled them. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Miami rolled to a stunning 143-107 victory in NBA Cup Group PlayChicago, turning what was supposed to be a tight home contest into a one-sided showcase. The Bulls, entering as 2.5-point favorites, never recovered after Miami unleashed a 53-21 run over the final 15 minutes of the first half. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Heat had matched their entire previous seven seasons’ total of 140-point games in just 15 outings this year.
Heat’s offensive avalanche
It wasn’t just volume — it was precision. The Heat scored 36 in the first quarter, then went silent for a few minutes before exploding. By halftime, they led 70-52. The third quarter was a mercy lap: Miami outscored Chicago 32-23. And then came the fourth — 41 points, the highest single-quarter output of the season for any team. Kel'el Ware, the 21-year-old forward, was the engine: 20 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, and relentless energy. He outworked Chicago’s front line like a man who knew his NBA future depended on this game. Norman Powell added 19, Bam Adebayo 18, and Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell each chipped in 16. Five Heat players scored in double figures. No one played more than 29 minutes. This wasn’t fatigue — it was efficiency.
Bulls’ collapse and chaos
Chicago opened strong, racing out to an 18-11 lead in the first 5½ minutes. Fans at the United Center dared to believe. But then the wheels fell off. The Bulls scored just 20 points in the second quarter — their lowest in any frame this season. Ayo Dosunmu led the team with 23 points, and Josh Giddey nearly notched a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists. But the offense stalled. Passes were late. Shots were rushed. And then came the turning point: Kevin Huerter, frustrated after a foul call, waved his hand at the ball in protest. It bounced off referee Che Flores’ leg. Ejection. No warning. No second chance. The Bulls lost their composure — and their rhythm. They finished 4-of-22 from three-point range. Their bench scored just 19 points. The Heat’s reserves outscored them 58-19.
Betting lines vs. reality
Even the oddsmakers got it wrong. FanDuel and Action Network had the Bulls as 2.5-point favorites, with a total set between 247.5 and 250.5. The final score? 250. So the over hit. But nobody predicted the margin. Public betting was 58% on Chicago, yet the Heat covered the spread by 35.5 points. The line moved only slightly — a sign that sharp money saw the vulnerability in Chicago’s defense. The Bulls were coming off a one-point win over Portland and had just one day of rest after a four-game road trip. Miami, meanwhile, had won two straight at home, including a statement win over the Knicks. The narrative? The Heat were underdogs everywhere — and they thrived in it.
Why this matters beyond the box score
With this win, Miami improved to 2-1 in NBA Cup play, moving within a half-game of the Milwaukee Bucks for the top spot in East Group C. Chicago, now 1-2, sits in fourth — a half-game behind New York and a half-game ahead of Charlotte. But this isn’t just about seeding. The Heat are averaging 124.8 points per game — the highest in the NBA — and have now cracked 140 four times this season. That’s as many as they did in the last *seven* seasons combined. They’re not just scoring — they’re redefining pace and spacing. Meanwhile, Chicago’s defense, once a strength, now looks disjointed. Their defensive rating has slipped to 118.4 over the last five games. The Bulls’ home court advantage? It evaporated. And with their next two games on the road, the pressure is mounting.
What’s next?
Miami heads to Atlanta next, still chasing Milwaukee for group supremacy. They’ve won three of their last four games by 20+ points. The Heat aren’t just playing well — they’re playing with confidence that borders on arrogance. Chicago, on the other hand, faces a brutal stretch: home against Boston, then a back-to-back in Toronto and Detroit. With their rotation thinning and morale dipping, the Bulls may need to make a trade before the deadline — or risk missing the playoffs entirely. For now, the message from Miami is clear: they’re not just in the Cup — they’re here to win it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kel'el Ware’s performance impact the game?
Ware’s 20 points and 14 rebounds were the foundation of Miami’s dominance. He outrebounded every Bulls frontcourt player individually, including Jalen Smith, and his defensive presence altered Chicago’s shot selection. His energy sparked Miami’s bench, which outscored Chicago’s reserves 58-19. Ware’s performance is a sign he’s ready to be a starter — and possibly a future All-Star.
Why did the Bulls lose despite being favorites?
Chicago’s defense collapsed after the first five minutes. They allowed 107 points in the paint — the most in a game this season. Their rotation was thin after Kevin Huerter’s ejection, and their guards struggled to contain Miami’s ball movement. Plus, fatigue from a four-game road trip and just one day of rest played a role. The betting public overvalued home-court advantage.
What does this mean for Miami’s NBA Cup chances?
Miami is now 2-1 and just half a game behind Milwaukee in East Group C. With their offensive firepower — averaging 124.8 points per game — they’re the most dangerous team in the tournament. If they win their remaining group games, they’ll likely secure a top-two seed and home-court advantage in the knockout rounds. Their depth and pace make them the team to beat.
Was the Kevin Huerter ejection a turning point?
Absolutely. Huerter was Chicago’s most consistent perimeter defender and a key floor spacer. His ejection in the third quarter left the Bulls with only one healthy wing (Josh Giddey) who could guard Miami’s guards. The Heat exploited that immediately, going 8-for-10 on three-pointers in the final 12 minutes. It wasn’t just the loss of a player — it was the loss of composure.
How does this game compare to past Bulls-Heat matchups?
Historically, these teams have been competitive. In their last four meetings, the winner was decided by an average of just 7.5 points. But this game was a 36-point blowout — the largest margin in the series since 2017. Miami’s scoring explosion was unprecedented, and Chicago’s defensive collapse was their worst of the season. It’s not just a loss — it’s a statement.
What’s the biggest takeaway for fantasy basketball players?
Kel'el Ware is now a must-start in all formats. Norman Powell and Bam Adebayo are locked in as top-20 fantasy assets. For Chicago, Ayo Dosunmu remains valuable, but Josh Giddey’s triple-double potential is now risky — his efficiency has dropped in losses. The Heat’s bench, especially Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell, are emerging as elite streaming options.