DeMar DeRozan’s 23-point performance fueled a resilient effort as the Chicago Bulls (5-9) ended the Miami Heat’s (8-5) seven-game winning streak with a thrilling 102-97 victory on Saturday night.
Facing a double-digit deficit for the third consecutive game, the Bulls overcame a 22-1 deficit midway through the first quarter, prompting boos from home fans. Chicago, determined to break their three-game losing streak, orchestrated a furious fourth-quarter rally to secure the win.
In a balanced scoring effort, all five Chicago starters reached double figures. Alex Caruso contributed 11 points, Nikola Vucevic added 15, Coby White scored 14, and Zach LaVine chipped in 13. DeRozan’s clutch performance included a turnaround 18-foot fadeaway in the final seconds.
Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 25 points, and Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Despite not trailing until the final minute, the Heat couldn’t withstand the Bulls’ late surge.
Caruso’s crucial 3-pointer and DeRozan’s late-game heroics secured Chicago’s first lead and ultimately the win. DeRozan’s two free throws with five seconds left sealed the victory, overcoming an early shooting struggle for the Bulls.
