Miami Heat Punch Playoff Ticket, Crush Bulls 112-91 in Miami

MIAMI (Day.News) — Jimmy Butler delivered a playoff masterclass with 28 points, six rebounds and five assists, powering the Miami Heat to a decisive 112-91 rout of the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night at Kaseya Center. The win sealed the Heat's 4-1 series victory in the Eastern Conference first round, capping a gritty postseason push for the South Florida franchise. Bam Adebayo contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Herro added 15 points off the bench, showcasing Miami's depth against a Bulls team that fought valiantly but faltered late.

The Heat's defensive intensity stifled Chicago's offense, holding them to 38% shooting and forcing 18 turnovers. A 22-4 run in the third quarter turned a tight game into a blowout, with Miami outscoring the Bulls 38-19 in the period. This marks the Heat's fifth straight appearance in the conference semifinals under coach Erik Spoelstra, thrilling a packed house of 19,600 in Miami-Dade County and extending the team's home playoff winning streak to seven games.

Looking ahead, Miami now faces the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals starting Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. The matchup revives a classic rivalry, with Butler's history of elevating in big moments against New York's stout defense led by Jalen Brunson. Heat fans from Fort Lauderdale to the Keys are buzzing, with ticket prices surging 40% on secondary markets as South Florida rallies behind its NBA powerhouse.