Heat Smoother Short-handed Bulls In Game 4 Commanding Series 3-1 [VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS]
LeBron James recorded 27 points, 7 rebounds and 8 rebounds to power the Miami Heat to a commanding 3-1 series lead following a 88-65 blowout win over the Chicago Bulls in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semis at United Center on Monday.
The Heat emerged as the victor in another brutal ballgame at United Center, putting them one win away to returning to the Eastern Conference finals for the third straight year.
James, who exchanged barbs with several Bulls players in the series, channeled his emotions to another remarkable playoff performance as he spearheaded the Heat on both ends of the floor.
Miami simply dominated the injury-marred Bulls from start to finish as their imposing defense held the proud franchise to their lowest ever scoring output in the postseason. The Bulls also shot a horrific 25.7 percent from the field and turned the ball over 17 times.
On the other hand, the Heat got additional contribution from Chris Bosh (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 blocks) while the rest of bench did their part in the assault. Miami shot 48.5 percent from the field and made 16 of their 21 free-throw attempts.
Luol Deng, who hasn't played a single ballgame in the series after undergoing spinal tap procedure, was activated for Game 4 but did not suit up.
Playing without Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose, the Bulls enter the game with the hope of coming up with the same defensive form they had in Game 1 and 3. Unfortunately for them, it was another thing around as the Heat totally locked them down.
Carlos Boozer racked up 14 points and 12 rebounds and Jimmy Butler tallied 12 for the Bulls, who will try to climb from a 1-3 hole in Wednesday's Game 5 at American Airline Arena.
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