A look back at all three Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat games this season

The Bulls have had the Heat's number this season.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After a tumultuous season, the Chicago Bulls have finally secured the opportunity they've been longing for—to make a return to the NBA Playoffs. Truth be told, fans, pundits, and the franchise expected more from the Bulls this season after making a splash last season as the sixth seed. Still, despite the up-and-down performances in the regular season, here they are just a win away from locking down the eighth seed and the chance to battle the best team in the entire NBA, the Milwaukee Bucks.

Standing in their way is the Miami Heat, a team they swept in the regular season. Here's a recap of all three games.

Bulls kick off the season with a beatdown of the Heat

The Chicago Bulls kicked off their regular season with a 116-108 victory over the Heat. Playing without Zach LaVine, who was still managing his injured knee, DeMar DeRozan stepped up and scored 28 of his 37 points in the second half to carry the Bulls to the victory. 

Ayo Dosunmu, then the starting point guard, had a promising season debut with 17 points, while Nikola Vucevic was stellar with 15 points and 17 boards.

Chicago rules South Beach once again

The Bulls defeated the Heat yet again at the Kaseya Center, 113-103. The victory came a few days after Chicago was embarrassed by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 150-126. The win also sparked a brief string of three wins in four road games for the Bulls. Nikola Vucevic had 29 points and 12 rebounds in a fantastic match-up against the Heat's star big man, Bam Adebayo. The Heat, though, played without Butler and the backcourt of Kyle Lowry and Gabe Vincent.

Bulls protect their home court

The Bulls' ball movement and passing were on point in their 113-99 victory over the Heat several weeks ago. DeRozan had 24 points and 10 assists as the Bulls put on a passing clinic with a whopping 34 assists. Six different players scored in double-figures for the Bulls. 

The most surprising stat of this game was the 17 three-pointers that the Bulls made—an eyebrow-raising feat considering how allergic the Bulls usually are from beyond the arc.