The Miami Heat didn’t just beat the Chicago Bulls on Friday night — they erased them. In a stunning 143-107 dismantling at the United Center on November 21, 2025, Miami turned what was supposed to be a competitive Emirates NBA Cup Group C matchup into a one-sided exhibition. The Heat’s 36-point win was their second-largest of the season, and the 41-point lead they held late in the fourth? That was the biggest deficit the Bulls had ever faced this year — a brutal wake-up call for a team already struggling to find rhythm.
A Run That Broke the Game Open
Chicago started strong, racing out to an 18-11 lead in the first five and a half minutes. Fans at the United Center, packed to 20,872 — just 45 shy of capacity — thought they were in for a thriller. Then came the Heat’s avalanche. A 53-21 run over the next 12 minutes turned the game into a demolition job. By halftime, Miami led 70-45. The Bulls didn’t just lose momentum — they lost their identity. Their offense, which had averaged 110 points per game in their last three contests, looked disoriented. No one could find space. No one could get clean looks. And when they did, the ball kept clanging off the rim.
Kel’el Ware’s Breakout Statement
At the center of it all was Kel’el Ware, the 20-year-old second-year center out of Oregon. Ware didn’t just play — he announced himself. His 20 points and 14 rebounds weren’t just stats; they were a statement. He blocked three shots, altered countless others, and grabbed offensive boards like they owed him money. He moved with a rare blend of size and agility, out-hustling veteran Bulls bigs who’ve been in the league twice as long. "He’s not just a project anymore," said one scout in the stands. "He’s the future of this franchise."
Norman Powell added 19 points and two steals, while Bam Adebayo chipped in 18, showing he’s still the engine when he’s on the floor. But it was Ware who drew the loudest cheers from Miami’s traveling fans — and the quietest sighs from Chicago’s bench.
The Bulls’ Fractured Identity
Ayo Dosunmu tried to carry Chicago, dropping 23 points and four assists, including three threes. Josh Giddey nearly notched a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists — but his efforts felt like trying to bail out a sinking ship with a teacup. Jalen Smith added 14 points, but the Bulls’ bench, which had been a bright spot earlier in the season, went cold. They scored just 23 points in the third quarter — the same number the Heat dropped in the first half of the third.
The turning point came in the third when Kevin Huerter, frustrated after a foul call went against him, waved his hand at the ball as it bounced off the referee’s leg. The ball hit Che Flores, the lead referee, squarely in the calf. Flores immediately called a technical — then, after a brief conference with his crew, ejected Huerter. "It wasn’t malice," said Bulls coach Billy Donovan afterward. "It was frustration. But in this league, you can’t react like that. Not even once."
Heat’s Offensive Machine
Miami’s 143 points marked their fourth time surpassing 140 this season — matching their total from the previous seven seasons combined (2018-19 through 2024-25). They’re now averaging 124.8 points per game, the best in the NBA. Their fourth-quarter explosion — 41 points — was the highest in the league this season. Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell each scored 16, and the Heat had six players in double figures. This isn’t just scoring — it’s orchestrated chaos. Every pass, every cut, every screen is timed to perfection.
What This Means for the NBA Cup
The win improved Miami’s Cup record to 2-1, leaving them half a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks in East Group C. Chicago, now 1-2 in Cup play, sits fourth — just behind the New York Knicks and ahead of Charlotte. The Heat’s next game? A pivotal showdown against the Bucks on November 23 at Fiserv Forum. Win that, and they control their own destiny. Lose, and they’ll be scrambling to avoid elimination.
For Chicago? Their next game against the Knicks on November 24 at Madison Square Garden might as well be a must-win. A loss here could drop them out of playoff contention in the Cup entirely. The Bulls have shown flashes — Giddey’s court vision, Dosunmu’s toughness — but consistency? That’s still missing.
Historical Context: The Rise of the NBA Cup
Introduced in 2023-24, the Emirates NBA Cup was meant to inject urgency into the midseason grind. So far, it’s delivered. Teams are treating it like a mini-playoff. The Heat, who haven’t won a championship since 2013, are playing like they’re hungry again. Their offensive firepower this season has been unlike anything they’ve shown since the LeBron era. And Ware? He’s become the symbol of their new identity — young, athletic, relentless.
Meanwhile, the Bulls’ struggles mirror a broader trend: a team caught between rebuilding and contending. They drafted well in recent years, but they still lack a true alpha. Dosunmu is a warrior, but he’s not a closer. Giddey is gifted, but he’s still learning. And without a dominant interior presence to anchor them, they’re vulnerable to teams like Miami — who can stretch them out and overwhelm them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kel’el Ware’s performance compare to other young big men in the NBA this season?
Ware’s 20-point, 14-rebound game against Chicago was one of the most dominant two-way performances by a rookie or sophomore big this season. Only Victor Wembanyama (24 points, 16 rebounds vs. Atlanta on November 10) and Chet Holmgren (21 points, 15 rebounds vs. Golden State on November 14) have matched or exceeded those numbers. What sets Ware apart is his efficiency — he shot 9-of-13 from the field — and his defensive impact, with four total blocks and steals combined. He’s becoming the prototype modern center: mobile, high-energy, and unselfish.
Why is Miami scoring so much more than last season?
Miami’s offensive explosion stems from three factors: better spacing, improved ball movement, and the emergence of Ware as a roll threat. Last season, they averaged just 112.3 points per game. This year, they’re at 124.8 — a 11% jump. Their three-point shooting has improved from 35.1% to 38.7%, and they’re assisting on 72% of their made baskets, up from 64% last year. Coach Erik Spoelstra has fully embraced pace-and-space, and the players are buying in. They’ve also added veteran shooters like Norman Powell, who knows how to create his own shot off the dribble.
What’s the significance of the 143-point total for the Heat?
The Heat’s 143 points were their fourth game over 140 this season — a feat they hadn’t accomplished even once in the previous seven seasons combined. Only four teams in NBA history have had four 140-point games before December 1: the 2018-19 Houston Rockets, the 2021-22 Phoenix Suns, the 2022-23 Denver Nuggets, and now the 2025-26 Miami Heat. This isn’t just hot shooting — it’s a systemic offensive revolution. They’re playing faster, smarter, and with more confidence than ever before.
How did Kevin Huerter’s ejection impact the Bulls’ momentum?
Huerter’s ejection in the third quarter was a turning point. He was Chicago’s third-leading scorer at the time, and his absence left the Bulls without a reliable shooter and defender. The Heat immediately exploited the gap, going on a 14-2 run over the next three minutes. Without Huerter, Chicago’s bench depth was exposed — their next best perimeter player, Jalen Smith, was stuck guarding Ware in the paint. The ejection wasn’t just a penalty; it was a psychological blow that signaled the game was over.
What are the Heat’s chances of winning the Emirates NBA Cup?
Miami is now one of the top favorites. With a 10-6 overall record and 2-1 in the Cup, they’re tied for the best record in the East among Cup teams. Their next two games — against Milwaukee and then Charlotte — will determine if they’re a true contender or just a midseason flash. If they can beat the Bucks on the road, they’ll likely finish top-two in Group C and earn a home game in the semifinals. Their depth, pace, and defensive versatility make them dangerous in knockout play. But they’ll need to stay healthy — especially Adebayo and Ware — to go all the way.
Is this loss a sign the Bulls need to make a trade before the deadline?
Absolutely. With their defense ranked 26th in the league and their interior defense nonexistent, Chicago needs a true center — not a stretch four like Jalen Smith. They’re 19th in rebounding and 24th in paint points allowed. The front office should be exploring trades for someone like Jaren Jackson Jr. or Walker Kessler. Giddey and Dosunmu are the future, but they can’t win a title without someone who can protect the rim and finish around the basket. This loss wasn’t just a bad night — it was a red flag.