Spoelstra delighted with Heat's response to Chicago 'humblings'
Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra says his team increased their intensity against the Chicago Bulls after being "humbled" by them during the regular season.
The Heat eliminated the Bulls to advance in the NBA Play-In Tournament as they earned a dominant 109-90 win on Wednesday, knocking Chicago out for the third consecutive season.
Tyler Herro scored 38 points and connected on his first eight shots as the Heat stayed in control throughout, never trailing.
Chicago swept Miami 3-0 in the season series, but they put that right, limiting the Bulls to their lowest total in a game this season.
And Spoelstra said those losses gave Miami an added respect for their opponents, giving them a base to build on.
"Chicago humbled us this year," Spoelstra said. "They have a unique style of play, the way they play with that pace, and they score.
"They had two games where we felt like we were in control of the game, both times in the fourth quarter, and they came storming back and had some impressive scoring quarters.
"Our guys really respected how much they could score. To hold that team to 90, it's not an easy task."
Decisive W, but not done.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) April 17, 2025
Winning Shots // @mph pic.twitter.com/aVDfQthoNG
Including this game, Herro is averaging 28.4 points on 57.8% shooting in his 11 games since Miami's 10-game losing streak. The Heat are 9-2 in those games.
His 16-point first quarter matched the most points he has had in any first quarter this season. He also scored 16 in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 15.
He helped Miami take a big step towards what would be a sixth consecutive playoff appearance, which would match a franchise record.
The Atlanta Hawks, who lost to the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, stand between them and a meeting with the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.
"Job's not finished; we knew what our path was," Herro said. "It's going to take two wins on the road, which we're capable of. Just got to keep this same focus."
The Bulls struggled throughout, and though they pulled back to within 13 points in the third quarter, there was no way back.
Josh Giddey finished 9-for-21 from the field for 25 points, while Coby White was 5-for-20 for 17 with seven turnovers. They also finished with 13 points from the bench, a season low.
"They punched us first, and we didn't respond the way we had to," Giddey said.
"Credit to Miami. They're well-coached; they're a good team. They've been in this position before, as some of our guys here.
"We obviously knew what was at stake. We just didn't come out with the right mentality, the right mindset. And it's what happens - you lose, your season's over just like that."