Heat Top Bulls 83-72, Close In on First Seed in the East
Published at
Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images(MIAMI) — Just last week, it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that the Chicago Bulls would be the Eastern Conference’s number-one seed. After Thursday night, though, it may not be so easy for the Bulls after their 83-72 loss to the Miami Heat.
Because of the loss, the Heat are just 1 1/2 games behind the Bulls for first place. The Bulls still have to play three more games, while the Heat have four games remaining on their schedule.
Lebron James led the Heat with 27 points while also pulling down 11 rebounds and dishing out six assists. Meanwhile, Heat guard Dwayne Wade chipped in 18 points. The two teams also were involved in a couple scuffles.
“This is what the postseason is all about,” James said after the win. “Both teams struggling to score offensively, and defensively, two very good defensive teams. It’s a possession game. That’s what happens in the postseason. The game slows down. Not many fast-break points. You’ve got to work for every attempt, work for every shot.”
The Bulls were once again playing without reigning MVP Derrick Rose, who missed his 26h game of the season as he deals with a foot injury. John Lucas led the Bulls Thursday night with 16 points.
Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio