Miami Heat 116–113 Chicago Bulls: Powell, Adebayo Survive Late Bulls Surge – Sportsphere24
The Miami Heat held off a ferocious late comeback by the Chicago Bulls, edging a thrilling 116–113 victory at the United Center on January 29, 2026. With playoff positioning on the line, Norman Powell led Miami with 21 points, while Bam Adebayo added a 20-point, 12-rebound double-double, helping the Heat maintain a crucial edge in the tight Eastern Conference standings.
Heat Control Early, Build Double-Digit Lead
Miami started aggressively, scoring 34 points in the first quarter and 28 in the second, taking a 62–51 halftime lead. Bam Adebayo set the tone early, stepping out for a three-pointer that stretched Chicago’s defense and opened driving lanes for Powell and the Heat guards.
Chicago struggled to contain Miami’s mix of paint attacks and perimeter shooting, frequently scrambling to recover after initial offensive actions. By the start of the fourth quarter, the Heat’s lead reached 13 points, looking comfortable at 104–92 with just over eight minutes remaining.
Bulls’ Late Rally Makes It a Thriller
Chicago refused to fold, ramping up pressure on both ends and riding Ayo Dosunmu’s energy to cut into the deficit. Dosunmu finished with 23 points, sparking the rally with layups and a three-pointer, slicing Miami’s lead from 10 to just three with a little over two minutes left.
After a Powell layup, Nikola Vučević responded with a turnaround hook to make it 112–109 with 54 seconds remaining. The closing moments featured clutch free throws from Dosunmu, Powell, and Coby White, making it a one-point game with seven seconds left.
Larsson’s Dunk and Final Stop Seal It
On the ensuing possession, Pelle Larsson broke free for a dunk with five seconds left, stretching Miami’s lead to 116–113 and forcing Chicago to scramble for a final three-point attempt. Out of the last timeout, Coby White’s three-pointer missed, allowing the Heat to escape with a narrow but vital road win.
Alongside Powell and Adebayo, Larsson added 15 key points, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds. For Chicago, Dosunmu led with 23 points, supported by Vučević (15 points, 10 rebounds), Matas Buzelis (16), Kevin Huerter (15), and White (14).
Playoff Race Context
The win moved Miami to 26–23, keeping them in the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of Orlando and Atlanta in a tightly packed mid-table. Chicago fell to 23–25, remaining in the 10th spot, clinging to the final play-in position.
This game was the first of three straight meetings between the teams. The next matchup in Miami promises to be another high-stakes showdown, with the Heat aiming to consolidate their edge and the Bulls seeking immediate revenge.