Nov
22
- by Elijah Stone
- 0 Comments
The Tyler Herro show was unforgettable. With 38 points, six assists, and a calm, icy demeanor under pressure, the Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls — they buried them. On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Miami rolled to a 109-90 victory in the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament, eliminating the Bulls from playoff contention for the second straight season — and the third year in a row. It’s not a fluke. It’s a pattern. And it’s getting harder for Chicago to ignore.
From the Opening Tip, Miami Took Control
It started with a bang. The Heat opened the game with a 39-point first quarter — the kind of explosion that leaves defenses stunned and crowds silent. Chicago, by contrast, managed just 28. The Bulls looked sluggish, out of sync, and outmatched. By halftime, Miami had stretched that lead to 24 points: 71-47. That’s not a lead you come back from in the NBA, especially not in a high-stakes game where every possession matters. And yet, Chicago tried. They outscored Miami 27-17 in the third quarter, fueled by a few deep threes from DeMar DeRozan and a rare spark from rookie Andrej Stojaković. But it was too little, too late. Miami’s defense tightened. Their bench — led by Max Strus and Gabe Vincent — held the line. They closed the game with a 21-16 fourth quarter, turning the final minutes into a controlled demolition.Herro didn’t just score. He orchestrated. He drove through traffic like it was a summer league scrimmage. He pulled up from 28 feet like it was a free throw. He even drew a foul on a step-back three in the third quarter — and made the free throw. He finished 13-of-23 from the field, 6-of-10 from deep, and 6-of-6 from the line. No one on the Bulls came close. DeMar DeRozan led Chicago with 24 points, but it took him 21 shots to get there. The Bulls’ team shooting? Just 41% from the field. Miami? 52%. That’s not luck. That’s execution.
A Rivalry Built on Play-In Pain
This isn’t the first time Miami has crushed Chicago’s postseason dreams. In 2023, the Heat won 115-107 in a thriller that came down to the final possession. In 2024, they won 103-94, with Herro dropping 32 points. Now, in 2025, it’s 109-90 — and Herro’s 38. Three years. Three wins. Three Bulls seasons ended before the playoffs even began. The psychological edge isn’t just there — it’s carved into the hardwood of the United Center. Chicago fans know it. Bulls players know it. Even coach Billy Donovan admitted after the game: “We’ve got to find a way to beat them. We’ve tried everything. Nothing sticks.”The Heat, meanwhile, have become the ultimate tournament chameleons. They entered the game with a 37-45 regular-season record — barely above .500 on the road. But in the Play-In Tournament? They’re 10-6. That’s a .625 winning percentage. Three straight wins. No one expected this from a team that spent most of the season battling injuries and inconsistent rotations. But here they are — alive, dangerous, and riding a wave of momentum. “We don’t play for records,” said Jimmy Butler, who added 14 points and 7 rebounds in just 28 minutes. “We play for survival. And right now, we’re surviving.”
What’s Next for Miami — and Chicago?
Miami’s win advances them to face the winner of the 7th vs. 8th place game — likely the Philadelphia 76ers or the New York Knicks — for the final playoff spot in the East. If they win that game, they’ll face the top-seeded Boston Celtics in the first round. A tall order. But after this performance? Don’t count them out. Herro is playing like a man who’s ready for the spotlight. And Miami’s culture — gritty, unflinching, unafraid of pressure — is peaking at the right time.For Chicago? It’s another season of questions. They had the talent. They had the experience. DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Patrick Williams all had moments. But they lacked the killer instinct. They folded under Miami’s intensity. And now, with the Play-In over, the real work begins: rebuilding trust, redefining identity, and figuring out why they keep losing to the same team, year after year.
Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about one game. It’s about what happens when a team learns how to win under pressure — and another keeps forgetting. The Heat have turned the Play-In into their personal proving ground. They’ve mastered the art of the comeback, the discipline of the lead, and the mental toughness to silence hostile crowds. Chicago? They’re still searching for their identity. And in the NBA, where margins are razor-thin, that’s a death sentence.Herro’s 38-point night wasn’t just a stat line. It was a statement. He’s no longer just a role player. He’s the guy Miami leans on when the lights are brightest. And for the Bulls, it’s a reminder: in this league, talent isn’t enough. You’ve got to have heart. And right now, Miami’s got more of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tyler Herro’s performance compare to his previous Play-In games?
Herro’s 38-point outing in 2025 was his highest in the Play-In Tournament, surpassing his 32-point game against the Bulls in 2024 and his 28-point effort in 2023. He also set a new personal best for three-pointers in a single Play-In game with six, and his 6-of-6 free throw accuracy under pressure was critical. No other Heat player has scored more than 30 points in a Play-In game since 2020.
Why have the Heat been so dominant against the Bulls in the Play-In Tournament?
Miami’s success stems from their defensive discipline and clutch shooting. The Heat consistently force Chicago into tough, contested shots, especially in the half-court. They also exploit Chicago’s tendency to rely on isolation plays — particularly with DeRozan — by switching aggressively and clogging driving lanes. In all three games, Miami’s bench outscored Chicago’s, and their three-point shooting has been 10% higher on average.
What does this loss mean for the Chicago Bulls’ future?
The loss eliminates any playoff momentum and intensifies scrutiny on coach Billy Donovan and front office decisions. With a 37-45 record and no clear young cornerstone, Chicago may pivot toward rebuilding. Lonzo Ball’s injury history and DeMar DeRozan’s contract situation (expiring in 2026) make them potential trade assets. The 2025 draft, where they hold the 14th pick, could be pivotal in reshaping the roster.
How does Miami’s 37-45 regular season record compare to other Play-In teams that made the playoffs?
Miami’s 37-45 record is the worst among any team that has advanced past the Play-In since 2021. The 2022 New Orleans Pelicans made the playoffs with a 36-46 record, and the 2023 Sacramento Kings entered the playoffs at 37-45 — the same as Miami. This proves that regular-season record doesn’t always reflect postseason readiness, especially for teams that peak late or have veteran leadership like Butler and Herro.
Who will the Miami Heat face next in the Play-In Tournament?
Miami will face the winner of the 7th vs. 8th place game between the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks. The Sixers currently hold the 7th seed with a 41-41 record, while the Knicks are 8th at 40-42. If the 76ers win, Miami will be the underdog against Joel Embiid’s squad. If the Knicks win, it sets up a gritty, physical matchup with Jalen Brunson and the high-paced New York offense.
Is this the end of the Bulls’ competitive window?
It’s a serious question. DeMar DeRozan is 34, Lonzo Ball is injury-prone, and their core lacks a true franchise player. The 2025 Play-In exit marks their third straight year failing to reach the playoffs. With no top-5 draft picks in the next two years and limited cap space, Chicago may need a bold trade or a franchise-altering free agent signing to compete again. For now, the window appears to be closing — and Miami just slammed the door.
Elijah Stone
I am passionate about delivering timely and accurate news to keep the public informed. With a focus on daily news in the United States, I enjoy dissecting current events and presenting them in a way that's both accessible and engaging. My writing aims to spark conversations and encourage readers to stay updated with the rapidly changing world around them. I believe in the power of journalism to make a difference, and I'm dedicated to maintaining its integrity and relevance in today's society.
