Miami Heat Crush Bulls 143-107 in Emirates NBA Cup Blowout
The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls — they erased them. On November 21, 2025, at United Center in Chicago, the Heat exploded for 143 points in a staggering 143-107 win, their most lopsided victory of the season. It wasn’t just a game. It was a statement. With the win, Miami improved to 10-6, extending their winning streak to three games, while Chicago dropped to 8-7 and stumbled into their first loss of the month. The game, part of the Emirates NBA CupUnited Center, felt like a preview of playoff intensity — except the Bulls never stood a chance.
Quarter-by-Quarter Domination
The Heat didn’t wait for the fourth quarter to make their move. They came out firing, outscoring Chicago 36-32 in the first. But then came the second quarter — and the Bulls’ collapse. Miami poured in 34 points while holding Chicago to a meager 20. That 14-point swing turned a tight game into a rout. By halftime, the Heat led by 18. The third quarter was more of the same: 32-23 Miami. And then, in the fourth, they went full throttle. A 41-point explosion — the highest single-quarter output of the night — sealed it. The final margin of 36 points was the largest loss for the Bulls this season, and the biggest win for Miami since their 148-105 rout over the Nets in March 2025.
Heat Stars Shine Bright
It wasn’t just one player carrying the load. It was a symphony of scoring. Kel'el Ware, the 7-foot-1 forward, was the engine. He finished with a double-double: 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 2 steals — a career-high in rebounds and a signature performance that showed why Miami traded for him last offseason. His presence in the paint disrupted Chicago’s interior game, forcing multiple contested shots and altering at least eight attempts. Then came Norman Powell, the veteran guard, who added 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals on 7-of-12 shooting. His mid-range jumpers were surgical, and his defensive pressure on Chicago’s ball handlers was relentless.
What made it even more impressive? Miami’s bench outscored Chicago’s starters 52-48. Four Heat players scored in double figures. Their ball movement was crisp — 32 assists on 52 field goals. They shot 53% from the field and 41% from three. This wasn’t luck. It was execution.
Bulls’ Struggles Run Deep
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago’s point guard, was the lone bright spot with 23 points, 4 assists, and three three-pointers. But even his brilliance couldn’t mask the team’s flaws. Chicago’s bench managed just 21 points. Their defense looked lost — especially in transition. They turned the ball over 19 times, leading to 28 Miami points. Their three-point shooting, usually a strength, was cold: 9-of-31 (29%). And their interior defense? Nonexistent. Ware and company grabbed 12 offensive rebounds, turning them into 18 second-chance points.
“We didn’t show up,” said Bulls head coach Billy Donovan after the game. “They played with purpose. We played with hesitation.”
Standings Shift and Division Implications
The win vaulted the Heat to the top of the Southeast Division at 10-6, one game ahead of Atlanta and Orlando — both at 9-7. Meanwhile, the Bulls slipped to fifth in the Eastern Conference, behind the Pistons (13-2), Cavaliers (11-6), Raptors (10-7), and Celtics (9-7). With Detroit on an 11-game winning streak and Cleveland surging, Chicago’s playoff hopes are starting to look shaky. They’re now just one game above .500, and their schedule doesn’t get easier: upcoming road games against Milwaukee and Boston loom.
For Miami, this win was more than just a win. It was validation. After a slow start to the season, they’ve now won four of their last five. Their offense ranks sixth in the league, and their defense — once a concern — has climbed into the top 10. They’re no longer a team to be underestimated.
What’s Next?
The Heat return home to FTX Arena on November 24 to face the Washington Wizards — a team that’s lost 13 straight. The Bulls, meanwhile, head to Milwaukee on November 25 to take on the Bucks, who are 12-3 and hungry for revenge after losing to Chicago in overtime earlier this month. If Chicago doesn’t fix their defensive rotations and rebounding, their season could spiral. For Miami? They’re building momentum. Fast.
Behind the Numbers
- 143 points — Miami’s highest scoring game since April 2024
- 36-point margin — Largest loss for Chicago this season
- 14 rebounds — Kel’el Ware’s career-high, surpassing his previous best of 12
- 32 assists — Miami’s most in a single game since November 5, 2025
- 19 turnovers — Chicago’s highest turnover total since October 28, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Chicago Bulls’ playoff chances?
The loss drops Chicago to 8-7, putting them in a precarious fifth place in the Eastern Conference. With the Pistons, Cavaliers, and Celtics all ahead and playing well, the Bulls are now just one game above .500. Their upcoming schedule — including road games against Milwaukee and Boston — will be decisive. If they can’t tighten their defense and reduce turnovers, they risk falling out of the top six and into the play-in tournament.
Why is Kel'el Ware’s performance significant for the Miami Heat?
Ware’s 20-point, 14-rebound game is the most dominant performance by a Miami big man since Bam Adebayo’s 22-point, 15-rebound game in February 2025. His ability to protect the rim and grab offensive boards has transformed Miami’s interior defense. With Adebayo still managing a minor ankle injury, Ware’s emergence gives Miami depth and flexibility — a key factor in their recent three-game winning streak.
What role does the Emirates NBA Cup play in the regular season?
The Emirates NBA Cup is a tournament embedded within the regular season, featuring group-stage games that count toward teams’ win-loss records. The top teams from each group advance to knockout rounds in early December. This game was part of Group C, and the win gives Miami a critical edge in securing home-court advantage in the Cup’s later stages — which could mean a path to the final without playing on the road.
How does this game compare to past Heat-Bulls matchups?
This was Miami’s largest margin of victory over Chicago since a 148-109 win in March 2023. Historically, the two teams have been competitive, with Chicago winning 11 of their last 20 meetings. But this game marks a shift: Miami now leads the season series 2-0, and their offensive efficiency has outpaced Chicago’s by nearly 12 points per 100 possessions. The balance of power is clearly changing.
Why was the game listed as November 22 on some sites?
The game tipped off at 8:00 PM Central Standard Time on November 21, which is 1:00 AM UTC on November 22. International platforms like Sofascore and ESPN use UTC for consistency, so they displayed the date as November 22. But locally, in Chicago, it was still November 21 — which is why the NBA officially records it as such. Time zones matter more than you think in sports scheduling.
What does this win mean for Miami’s title hopes?
This victory signals Miami’s return to elite form. With a balanced offense, improved defense, and emerging depth, they’re no longer just a playoff team — they’re a contender. Their 10-6 record puts them in the top four of the East, and their net rating (+6.8) is now among the league’s best. If they maintain this pace, they could host a first-round series — and maybe even challenge for the Eastern Conference crown.