The Chicago Bulls defeated the host Miami Heat 98 - 95 at American Airlines Arena on Thursday. In a battle between two Eastern Conference mainstays, there was n't a whole lot to separate these two squads. There were actually 14 ties and 19 lead changes in this tightly contested battle, with no team leading by more than eight points. The key for Chicago was the free - throw shooting, as they went 18 - of - 20, while Miami went just 10 - of - 15. Three-point shooting kept the Heat hanging around, as they went 13 - of - 29, with the Bulls hitting just 6 - of - 16. Chicago (5 - 4) came into this losing four of five, but they showed some resiliency in an important road win. Six of the nine players who took the floor for the Bulls scored in double figures. Jimmy Butler led the team, with his 20 points, four rebounds, five assists and three steals. Rajon Rondo had one of his best games in a Chicago uniform, tallying 16 points, 12 rebounds and six assists. Robin Lopez also finished with 16, adding nine boards as well. Dwyane Wade shot just 5 - of - 17 against his former team, but finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assists. The Bulls will host the Washington Wizards for their next game on Saturday. Miami (2 - 5) has gotten off to a rough start, but this was a great performance despite the loss. Hassan Whiteside carried the load, as he finished with 20 points and 20 rebounds in a dominating performance. Dion Waiters and Josh Richardson were second on the team, as they scored 16 a piece. Justise Winslow accumulated 15 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals. Goran Dragic struggled and left early due to an ankle injury, finishing with six points and four assists in just 22 minutes of play. Miami returns to action on Saturday, when they host the Utah Jazz for their next game.
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