The Miami Heat rebounded from a blowout loss in game one to beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75 on Wednesday and level their NBA semi-final series at one game apiece.
“Whatever it takes,” said Heat star LeBron James, who finished with 29 points. “This is the conference finals and these are two great defensive teams. But you have to be patient… keep working the offence.”
Dwyane Wade added 24 points for the Heat who managed to steal home-court advantage from the Bulls as the series now switches to Miami.
James, who has been fighting a cold this week, said he was relieved to get the win but was also relishing the chance to go home and rest up.
“Do you hear my voice?” he asked. “I put it all on line tonight. I am glad I got a few days to get back down to the great weather we got in Miami and get over it (cold).”
The Heat recovered down the stretch Wednesday to pull even after surrendering an 11-point lead earlier in the contest.
James drained a three pointer in the fourth to put the Heat in front for good, at 76-73. He scored nine points in the final five minutes.
James also grabbed 10 rebounds as Miami outrebounded Chicago 45-41.
“The series has just started,” James said. “It’s 1-1. We’re excited that we were able to come here and get a win. But it’s just started.”
The Bulls ended game one on a 46-24 run en route to winning the contest 103-82. The Heat limited them to just two points in the final seven minutes in game two.
James also grabbed 10 rebounds while Wade finished with nine rebounds for the Heat, who host Sunday’s game three. Chris Bosh scored 10 points.
Udonis Haslem came off the bench to score 13 points for Miami who defeated the Bulls for the first time this season.
“We got the one that we needed,” Wade said. “Now, we go home and we’ve got to take care of business. This team right here is like us. They can win at home and on the road.”
Derrick Rose scored 21 points but had only two in the fourth quarter for the Bulls. Luol Deng added 13 but had just four after the opening period. Rose and Deng were the only Chicago players to finish in double figures.
Joakim Noah finished with nine points and eight rebounds. Taj Gibson came on strong in the final quarter, scoring all of his eight points.
Carlos Boozer struggled Wednesday sitting out the final quarter after recording seven points and eight boards.
