Bulls Vs. Heat Recap: LeBron James And Heat Hold On For Four-Point Win Over Chicago

The Miami Heat improved to 15-5 on Sunday afternoon with a 97-93 win over the Chicago Bulls. Considered by many to be a clash between the league's top two teams, Miami was led by the brilliance of LeBron James. James finished with 35 points and countered the furious charges from Derrick Rose and the Bulls. Rose would finish with 34 points of his own, in a classic game between two of the league's best.

After both James and Rose missed four consecutive free-throws in the final thirty seconds, a jump ball was ruled on an inadvertent whistle. The Heat controlled the jump and Mario Chalmers made only one of two from the charity stripe. Down two with the ball, Rose missed a floater in the lane to tie which would seal the win for Miami. It was a chaotic final minute, but despite a series of stagnant offensive posessions, the Heat held on for the four-point win.

Early in the fourth, James drilled a fadeaway as the shot clock expired to put add some cushion to the Heat's lead. Video of the amazing shot below:

Via @Jose3030:

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Chicago and SB Nation's Bulls blog, Blog A Bull. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

Bulls Vs. Heat Score Update: Derrick Rose Has Big Third Quarter But Miami Maintains Five-Point Lead

Th Miami Heat maintained their lead over the Chicago Bulls after three quarters of play at American Airlines Arena, holding a 76-71 advantage. The Bulls and Tom Thibodeau made some adjustments on the offensive end and Derrick Rose took it right at the Heat's defense. Rose scored 12 of his 25 points in the third quarter to keep Chicago right there in it.

LeBron is keeping pace with Rose, however, and has 24 points and seven rebounds over the first 36 minutes. Chris Bosh has added 20 points in support of James, who continues to add to the highlight reel with Dwyane Wade. In the third, he chased down an errant pass, saving it along the sideline and hitting Wade for a breakaway dunk Video of the save below:

Via @Jose3030:

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Chicago and SB Nation's Bulls blog, Blog A Bull. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

Bulls Vs. Heat Score Update: Led By LeBron James, Miami Takes A 56-51 Lead At Half

The Miami Heat took a five-point lead over the Chicago Bulls at halftime of their Sunday showcase game on ABC. Led by a highlight-filled first half from LeBron James, the Heat held on for a 56-51 lead after 24 minutes. James finished with 17 points, including several alley-oop dunks from close friend and fellow superstar Dwyane Wade.

Wade is playing in just his second game after sitting out two weeks with an ankle injury. He had an instant impact on Friday against the Knicks, and carried that over to Sunday's game against Chicago, connecting with James on a series of alley-oops. Wade finished with a game-high seven assists, but was just one of nine from the floor for six points. Chris Bosh, who can get lost in the James-Wade show, added 14 points and six rebounds.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Chicago and SB Nation's Bulls blog, Blog A Bull. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

VIDEO: LeBron James Jumps Over John Lucas III For Alley-Oop Dunk From Dwyane Wade

Bulls Vs. Heat: LeBron James Dominates First Quarter With An Array Of Alley-Oop Dunks

In a battle between two of the NBA's best teams, the Miami Heat took a 24-22 lead over the Chicago Bulls after one quarter at American Airlines Arena. In just his second game back, Dwyane Wade once again set the tone early with LeBron James as the duo raced up and down the floor to connect on a series of thrilling alley-oop dunks. As was the case Friday against New York, the two seemed to put on a continuous highlight show over the first 12 minutes. One highlight was an impressive touch-pass alley-oop from Wade to James, who brought it down with two hands. Video of the alley-oop below:

Via @Jose3030:

Later in the quarter, James went up and over John Lucas III for an incredible baseline jam.

Via @Jose3030:

James leads all scorers with 12 points through the first 12 minutes, a majority of it coming on alley-oop dunks. On the other end, Dwyane Wade has a game-high five assists, with James finishing off most of those passes.

For more news, analysis, and discussion on Miami, visit SB Nation's Heat blog, Peninsula Is Mightier. For the perspective from the other side, visit SB Nation Chicago and SB Nation's Bulls blog, Blog A Bull. For news and notes from around the league, be sure to follow SB Nation's NBA hub.

Chicago Bulls Visit Miami Heat: Game 20 Preview

The Heat hope to extend their win streak to four games as they welcome reigning MVP Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls to the AA Arena, today at 3:30.