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[Danny]

(Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus)

The Miami HEAT blew out the Chicago Bulls 86-67 Thursday night at the United Center. The HEAT led from the second quarter on, pulling away for good in the fourth quarter. The HEAT have now won nine games in a row and are 38-14 on the season.

Impact Performance of the Night: Another game, another spectacular performance by LeBron James. James finished with 26 points on 11-for-15 shooting, 12 rebounds and seven assists. James’ jumper was on point all night, picking apart the Bulls defense from the midrange. Before he exited with a few minutes left in the game, James had a hand in 47 percent of the HEAT’s points, 26 points of his own and 14 points off of assists. James’ 11 defensive rebounds were huge against a Bulls front line that tends to dominate the glass.

The Deciding Run: The HEAT took an 11-point lead into the fourth quarter against the Bulls. After the Bulls got a quick basket, the HEAT went on a 15-4 run, clinching the game. The HEAT’s run was powered by Dwyane Wade, who scored six points and assisted five more.

Play of the Game: Dwyane Wade gets the nod for his drive/dunk past Joakim Noah. Wade got matched up with Noah in transition after Noah thwarted a chance at the rim. Wade backed the ball out to the right corner, drawing Noah out with him. Wade called for Chris Bosh to set a screen to the inside, but before Bosh even arrived, Wade drove away from the screen, around Noah, and finished with a dunk. Rejecting screens is a big part of Wade’s game, and his usage on this play was textbook.

Efficiency Rating: Offensive Rating: 96.5; Defensive Efficiency: 71.4

Trend to Watch: The forced turnovers are coming in bunches for the HEAT. Tonight, the HEAT forced 27 turnovers, a season-high, and scored 24 points off of the changes of possession. Including blocks that led to changes of possession, the HEAT created 16 live-ball changes off possession. The HEAT have turned up the defensive pressure recently, and opponents are paying the price. As the HEAT defense continues to grow sharper, these forced turnovers will continue to pile up. When that happens, opponents often find themselves in trouble.

The Takeaway: The HEAT have had a hard time against the Bulls in the regular season since the summer of 2010. Tonight, the HEAT were able to dictate their offense, something the Bulls have often prevented them from doing. After just 13 field goal attempts in the restricted area in the first meeting, the HEAT got 26such attempts tonight. That’s a big number in a slow paced game. Finding creases in the Bulls defense tonight may prove useful if there is a postseason matchup down the road.

Notes: Dwyane Wade scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out five assists. Chris Bosh added 12 points. Ray Allen scored 11 points off the bench. Mike Miller was inactive.

Infographic:

[Wuchuhurd]

So many bloopers in this one, maybe the funniest game all year. But the defense is locked in though, remember when we were all waiting for it to show up, lol

[mrwormburn]

It bothers me a tiny bit that Heinrich didn't play. Good win anyway.

[Madlib]

Fun facts after today's game:

In the 52 games he has played this season, LeBron has shot under 50% only 8 times. Additionally, he has shot under 40% only once. He has not shot worse than 37.5%.

For comparison:

Carmelo has shot the ball under 50% 28 times, under 40% 12 times, and under 30% 3 times.

Kobe has shot the ball under 50% 31 times, under 40% 14 times, and under 20% once.

Durant has shot the ball under 50% 18 times, and under 40% 8 times.

Furthermore, despite LeBron's aggressive play, he has only shot double digit free throws 9 times. The most he's shot was 16 which he did twice.

Kevin Durant has shot double digit free throws 21 times. The most he shot was 21 which he did 3 times.

[LeBoshAde]

^^^ damn thats some crazy stats. Just shows how Lebron plays so efficiently and Its crazy to think that he still has the ability to get better

[miamiheatallday1]

Greats stats but the one that bothered me is the free throw attempts or lack there if. And he's extra aggressive with the majority if his shots being inside. Being that KD is more of a perimeter player and gets way more calls is ridiculous

[heatphin4lyfe]

In an otherwise sloppy game offesively, MIAMI look rather good on the defensive end. Those 27 turnovers was huge, and they kept the Bulls close in the rebounding category...TEAM HEAT since '88!