Game #20: Chicago Bulls (17-4) vs. Miami Heat (14-5)

by David Dwork on Jan 28, 2012 10:05 PM EST

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 27: Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat dunks past Tyson Chandler #6 of the New York Knicks during a game at American Airlines Arena. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Last season the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls were both teams that looked very different then they had the year before, and both teams were thought by many to be good enough to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. During the regular season, the Bulls set out to prove that if either of the teams were going to look the part, it be them.

Chicago looked like they had Miami's number during the regular season, winning all three games against the Heat and finishing the season with the top record in the East. That didn't mean much come playoff time though, as Miami bounced Chicago right out of the Eastern Conference Finals in five games.

This season the Bulls picked up right where they left off, jumping out to the top record in the East and holding the most amount of wins in the NBA. The Heat are right behind the Bulls in the East, and the matchup is one that will be highly anticipated anytime these teams play each other for the next several years to come. Even though media and fans are going to hype it to no extent, the stars of each team are playing it down.

LeBron James and Derrick Rose were both asked about how big of a game this was, and both responded with very similar answers, saying that it was just another game on the schedule. While that might be the answer that they, or most other players will give, I think we all know that there is a lot more to a Heat-Bulls game then just some other game. It's going to be that way for the next few years, just like the Heat-Knicks or Knicks-Bulls in the 90s was always a marquee matchup.

GAME NOTES

The Heat are 8-2 at home. Chicago is an impressive 8-3 on the road.
The Bulls originally drafted Norris Cole before trading his rights to Miami.
This is the first of four meetings between Chicago and Miami this season.
Last season the Bulls swept the regular season series against the Heat before losing in 5 games in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Miami's injury list is clean for the first time this season, though Dwyane Wade just returned from an ankle injury and is still being considered day-to-day.
As for the Bulls, Richard Hamilton (thigh), Taj Gibson (ankle), and Luol Deng (wrist) are going to be game-time decisions.

Tipoff from the AAA is set for an early 3:30pm. The game will be televised nationally on ABC.

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Can’t wait for tomorrow, it’s going to be a fantastic game. I found a promo for tomorrow’s game on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNnIYUcxZAc&feature=g-all-lik&context=G2493d0bFAAAAAAAAAAA

"A man who believes that he can do everything, let him dig a grave and bury himself."

by The One Who Wears The Crown on Jan 28, 2012 10:44 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

thats awesome

only cuz i didnt know anyone else knew of the band xx. That song, not that anyone cares, i can play on the guitar (cuz its uber easy) thanks for finding this

Waiting for the Prodigal Son to Return KH12 BITCHES!!!!
In the Chemi-meter we trust!

by piccolomair on Jan 29, 2012 1:41 AM EST up reply actions

just saw it myself. that's actually the only song I know from xx

also, as if I wasn’t pumped up enough, now I’m beyond pumped.

BULLieving in Miami | Tumblr

by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 29, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions

i wont suggest im a huge fan, cuz im not really

but they sort of have a mesmerizing affect with their songs. CHeck out islands (the video is pretty awesome) and crystallized (great song and i kinda love the guitar work)

Waiting for the Prodigal Son to Return KH12 BITCHES!!!!
In the Chemi-meter we trust!

by piccolomair on Jan 29, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions

Have to keep the Bulls off the offensive glass...

New year but last year they got the best of the Heat with that for the most part—Heat were better in the playoffs with UD back so he will help with his steady solid play.

Also, getting Bosh going to the rim is such a key for the offense and paramount in this game. It made such a difference after Gibson taunted him and he got aggressive. He has been so much more consistently aggressive so far this year as compared to last year.

Heat get a first look at a team they may face in the playoffs. Should be fun. Let’s go Heat! Beat the Bulls.

(Martin Landau) Bela Lugosi: How dare that a****** bring up Karloff? You think it takes talent to do Frankenstein? It's all makeup and grunting.

--From the movie Ed Wood

GET TO THE RIM HEAT (and SKY)! ATTACK THE PAINT!

by mjtig on Jan 29, 2012 12:38 AM EST via mobile reply actions

The most exciting matchup when these two teams play is Thibbs Vs. Spo

I mean the chess match between these guys is fun to see. Certain lineups and game strategies. Thibbs won regular season, Spo won playoffs, so let’s keep that cycle going. It would be nice to win but believe me, it’s a totally different ball game playoff time

We Bout To Let These Haters Know..
This Heat Thing, IS MORE THAN HYPE

by 1-THE H3ATLES-6 on Jan 29, 2012 10:55 AM EST via mobile reply actions

yeah, that's why I'm not putting too much stock into this meeting

and I kinda think the Heat are winning this one. but hey, maybe fortunes will turn this year… how about you guys sweep the season this year and we win in the playoffs? ;)

BULLieving in Miami | Tumblr

by BULLieving in Miami on Jan 29, 2012 11:03 AM EST reply actions