3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls' much-needed 113-103 win over the Miami Heat

The victory was a breath of fresh air for a Bulls squad that was suffocating after suffering four straight losses.

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The Chicago Bulls needed a victory in the worst way, and on Wednesday night, they got it. The Bulls secured a 113-103 win over the Miami Heat, their first win in five games. Although one victory will not dispel any dark clouds hovering over the Bulls, it gives them a bit of daylight in a situation that had been looking increasingly gloomy. With that in mind, here are three key takeaways from the Bulls' much-needed win over Miami.

Taking advantage of the Miami Heat's injury woes

Yes, the Bulls have some injury problems, with Lonzo Ball yet to suit up this season due to knee surgery and Javonte Green sitting out due to knee soreness. On the other hand, the Heat had it much worse, as three starters were on the sidelines. All-Stars Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry sat out, along with dependable forward Caleb Martin and bench sparkplug Gabe Vincent.

In their place were Victor Oladipo, Max Strus, and sophomore Haywood Highsmith. While Highsmith was productive and efficient with 18 points on 7-of-10 shooting, Oladipo and Strus couldn't hit a bucket even if their lives depended on it. Oladipo shot 4-of-13 from the field, while Strus went a dismal 1-of-9 from the floor and 1-for-7 from beyond the three-point line. The Bulls took full advantage of Miami's lack of depth and pulled out a win.

Zach LaVine quietly responds

Much of the talk heading to this game centered on the apparent disconnect between Zach LaVine and the Bulls organization and the heated conversations during the halftime break of their previous game against Minnesota. LaVine tried to quiet all that by starting the game with three straight triples.

Three straight triples from Zach gets us going in South Beach!@ZachLaVine | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/jkvHLIpqul

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2022

LaVine finished the game with 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while displaying engagement and activity on the defensive end. It was a much-needed response from LaVine and should serve as a reminder that his play is one of the barometers for the Bulls' success.

Ayo Dosunmu has fallen off the rotation

Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu started the season as the Bulls' starting point guard, replacing the injured Ball. However, his minutes have been decreasing, and against the Heat, he fell out of the rotation completely, playing just five minutes and scoring a single point. Head coach Billy Donovan is now turning to veteran guard Goran Dragic who played 20 minutes, and Coby White, who logged in 24.

Needed it BAD pic.twitter.com/H5XIE0RVRK

— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) December 21, 2022