NBA Playoffs 2013 News: Heat Humiliate Bulls 115-78 in Game 2; Noah, Gibson Ejected, Series Tied At 1-1

LeBron James recorded 19 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the Miami Heat to a 115-78 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semis series on Wednesday at American Airlines Arena.

After absorbing a shocking loss in Monday's series opener, the Heat bounced back with a vengeance as they absolutely dominated the Bulls from start to finish. With James leading the way, the Heat took a 55-41 halftime lead and padded it up to as many as 46 points in the fourth quarter.

Like the first match, Game 2 was another physical warfare with a lot of pushing and shoving happening inside. In fact, the game saw 51 personal fouls, nine technicals and two ejections while referees were having a hard time pacifying the situation at some point.

Yet, everybody expected this series to be rough and chippy especially if these two Eastern Conference bitter rivals going at it each other. But the most surprising thing from last night's ballgame was the lack of poise showed by the Bulls.

After exhibiting a great deal of determination and composure to grind out a 93-86 victory in Game 1, the Bulls played like a different team 48 hours later as emotions clearly took the best of them in Game 2.

Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, who served as anchors of the Bulls defense, couldn't control their tempers and eventually got ejected in the fourth quarter after arguing with the game officials.

On the other hand, the Heat calmly shredded the Bulls defense into pieces as they shot a staggering 60 percent from the field - including 9-for-18 from the three-point line. Miami gobbled up 13 more rebounds and dished out 12 more assists than the Bulls, who shot a horrific 35.5 percent from the field.

The Heat also had solid contribution from other starters Dwyane Wade (15 points ad 5 assists), Chris Bosh (13 points and 5 rebounds), and Mario Chalmers (11 points, 2-for-4 from 3-pt line). Meanwhile, Ray Allen (21 points) and Norris Cole (18 points) delivered the goods off the bench for the Heat.

Nate Robinson, who recorded 27 points and 9 assist in Game 1, was held down to just 11 points on 3-for-10 shooting from the field while Marco Belinelli finished with 13 points and 6 dimes.

With the series shifting to Chicago for Game 3 and 4, the Bulls will surely need any help they can get from their injured players, Luol Deng and Kirk Hinrich, who will likely return for Friday's crucial game. There are also rumors that Derrick Rose will finally suit up for the Bulls, but it is still unconfirmed.