The Chicago Bulls lost 83-72 to the Miami Heat on Thursday night in the final regular season match-up between both teams as the 2011-2012 NBA season winds down. Without Derrick Rose, the Bulls couldn't muster much offense over the final three quarters, putting up just 49 points on the Miami defense.
After a hot shooting start to the game, Chicago simply lost its touch as the Heat defense clamped down. The Bulls made their first five shots in the first quarter but proceeded to shoot just 31 percent for the remainder of the game. Miami shot 42 percent, and importantly it prevented Chicago's front line from dominating the boards like it's capable of doing.
John Lucas III led the Bulls with 16 points, but he was just 5-of-16 shooting from the field. Joakim Noah made all five of his shot attempts en route to 15 points and 10 rebounds, plus Luol Deng had 11 in his return. LeBron James led Miami with 27 points and 11 rebounds.
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