What we learned from the Chicago Bulls 118-100 loss to the Miami Heat

The Bulls trailed from start to finish.

© Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls failed to capitalize on their impressive win last Saturday and fell to the Miami Heat, 118-100, to drop to 5-10 for the season. Here are a few takeaways from the Bulls’ 10th loss of the season:

Yet another sluggish start

While it wasn’t as bad as the 22-1 deficit they had to overhaul last weekend, the Bulls still found themselves down 12-2 a few minutes into the first quarter. Although Chicago stormed back right away with an 8-0 blast after Bulls coach Billy Donovan sued for time, the team still trailed 33-27 after the first and was not able to take a single lead in the game.

Donovan said the Bulls must start the game playing with force to set the tone for the rest of the match.

“There’s gotta be more thrust and more force [at the start], and that’s how we’ve been able to score in second halves,’’ Donovan said.

“Some of it is offensively and getting stops to run, but when you’re — I don’t want to say we’re having bad possessions — but when you’re missing shots like that in the first quarter, the first half you’re in transition all the time defensively, and that’s a tough way to live.’’

Coby White continues his solid season

While the Bulls’ season has been disappointing so far, Coby White has not made the front office regret its decision to install him as the starting point guard. The former Tar Heel finished with a team-high 20 points, making 7-of-11 from the field, including four triples. The 6-foot-5 guard also showcased his defensive chops, getting a steal and a block.

Coby with back-to-back threes.@NBCSChicago | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/YiYg7DAXuO

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 21, 2023

Chicago Bulls fall to the Miami Heat 118-100