The Miami Heat made a statement on Wednesday night, completely dominating Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals with a 115-78 win over the Chicago Bulls.
Bulls vs. Heat Game 2, NBA Playoffs 2013: LeBron James leads Miami to 115-78 win
After dropping Game 1, LeBron James and the Heat took care of business Wednesday night and evened the series with Chicago.
The Heat took control midway through the first half and never looked back, taking a 14-point edge into halftime before blowing Chicago out. Miami shot an absurd 60 percent from the floor, including 9 of 18 from behind the the three-point arc.
Chicago, on the other hand, just couldn’t get anything to fall. Part of that was a vastly improved defensive showing from Miami, although the Bulls missed a handful of shots they probably should’ve made. They made just 35 percent of their shot attempts and scored 18 points in the paint after scoring 40 in Game 1. Chicago had just two fast break points.
The game was physical throughout, with numerous technical and flagarant fouls called by a group of referees that struggled to keep emotions under control at times. LeBron and Joakim Noah got into it in the first quarter, which led to a double technical. Then came Chris Andersen shoving Marco Belinelli into the bench, followed by Norris Cole and Marquis Teague needing to be separated on an inbounds play.
Any player who went up for a layup knew there was going to be contact. It was not a game for the faint of heart, and the Heat were physically tougher.
James continued to have a phenomenal postseason, leading the Heat with 19 points, nine assists, five rebounds and three steals. His numbers would've been much better if he didn't head for the bench midway through the second half with the score comfortably in Miami's favor. Dwyane Wade was solid, but unspectacular with 15 points and five assists, and Ray Allen came off the bench to score 21 points.
Eleven different Heat players scored at least two points on Wednesday. It was that kind of night for the defending world champions.
Marco Belinelli was one of the few bright spots for Chicago, leading the team with 13 points and six assists. Joakim Noah chipped in with 12 points and six rebounds, while Carlos Boozer had just eight points and four rebounds.
With the win, the best-of-seven series is tied at 1-1. The next two meetings take place in Chicago.
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