On March 8, 2025, the Chicago Bulls pulled off one of the most improbable comebacks in recent NBA history, erasing a 17-point halftime deficit to beat the Miami Heat 114-109 at the United Center in Chicago. The turning point? A 36-20 fourth quarter that left Miami stunned and Chicago fans roaring. At the heart of it all was Josh Giddey, the 22-year-old Australian guard whose 26-point, eight-assist performance turned a near-certain loss into a signature win.
The First Half Collapse
The Heat came out firing. They opened the game with a 36-24 first-quarter blitz, led by Bam Adebayo’s inside dominance and Norman Powell’s perimeter shooting. By halftime, Miami had stretched their lead to 55-38 — the largest deficit the Bulls had faced all season. Chicago looked out of rhythm, missing open threes and turning the ball over in critical moments. Analysts at Hot Hot Hoops noted it was the Heat’s most complete first half since their 2023 Eastern Conference Finals run.
The Second-Half Surge
But something changed at halftime. Coach Billy Donovan switched to a smaller, faster lineup, pushing Giddey to the point and letting him dictate tempo. The Bulls went on a 12-2 run to start the third quarter, cutting the lead to single digits. By the 5:15 mark of the third, it was 76-72 — and the crowd was alive. Chicago outscored Miami 30-34 in the third, but it was the fourth quarter that sealed it. The Bulls scored 36 points — their highest in any quarter all season — while holding Miami to just 20. Giddey hit three straight mid-range jumpers in the final 3:12, and Jalen Suggs stripped Kyle Lowry on a critical inbounds play with 47 seconds left.
A Different Story in November
Fast forward to November 21, 2025, and the roles were reversed. This time, the Heat crushed the Bulls 143-107 at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee — one of four neutral-site games in the Emirates NBA Cup group stage. Miami’s offense was unstoppable: 47% shooting, 14 three-pointers, and a franchise-record fourth 140-point game of the 2025-26 season. Kel’el Ware dominated the paint with 20 points and 14 rebounds, while Adebayo added 18 and five assists. The Heat went on a 20-5 run in the second quarter and two 17-4 bursts in the fourth, effectively ending the game by the 8-minute mark.
Josh Giddey: The Catalyst
Even in defeat, Giddey stood out. The 2021 sixth overall pick — traded from Oklahoma City on July 6, 2023 — posted 19 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, just one shy of a triple-double. He’s now averaging 18.4 points and 7.8 assists this season, emerging as the Bulls’ most consistent playmaker. His ability to orchestrate offense under pressure made him the engine of the March comeback. "He doesn’t look like a rookie anymore," said former Bull Luol Deng on ESPN’s postgame show. "He sees the floor like a veteran. That’s rare."
What the Emirates Cup Means
The Emirates NBA Cup, introduced in 2023-24, has become more than just a mid-season tournament. For Miami, the 143-point win pushed them to 2-1 in group play with a plus-46 point differential — a massive advantage heading into their finale against the Milwaukee Bucks. For Chicago, the loss exposed their lack of depth. Without DeMar DeRozan (out with a calf strain) and with Coby White struggling with his shot, the Bulls couldn’t match Miami’s firepower.
Why This Matters
That March comeback wasn’t just a feel-good story — it was a turning point. The Bulls, who entered the season with low expectations, began believing they could compete. Giddey’s leadership, combined with improved defensive rotations, lifted them from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to playoff contention. Meanwhile, Miami’s offensive explosion in November confirmed their status as a title contender — if they can stay healthy. With Tyler Herro, Nikola Jovic, and Andrew Wiggins sidelined in that November game, their depth was tested… and passed.
What’s Next?
The Bulls face the Atlanta Hawks on November 24, 2025, with Giddey expected to start despite a minor ankle tweak. The Heat, meanwhile, host the Philadelphia 76ers on November 23 at 1:00 PM EST — a game that could determine home-court advantage in the Cup semifinals. Both teams will be watching the final Emirates Cup standings closely. The tournament winner earns a top-four seed in the playoffs — a huge incentive for a Miami team that hasn’t reached the Finals since 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is a 17-point comeback in the NBA?
Comebacks from 17+ point deficits in the first half are uncommon — only 12 such wins occurred in the 2023-24 NBA season out of 1,230 games. The Bulls’ win on March 8, 2025, was the largest comeback by a team trailing by 17+ at halftime since the 2021-22 season, when the Denver Nuggets overcame a 20-point deficit against the Phoenix Suns.
Why did the Heat dominate so badly in November?
Miami’s 143-point outburst was fueled by a perfect storm: elite spacing, seven players scoring in double figures, and Chicago’s missing starters. The Bulls were without DeMar DeRozan and Coby White, while Miami’s bench — led by Kel’el Ware and Jordan McLaughlin — outscored Chicago’s reserves 59-21. It was the most efficient offensive performance of the season for the Heat.
What role does the Emirates NBA Cup play in playoff seeding?
The winner of the Emirates NBA Cup receives a guaranteed top-four seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs — regardless of regular-season record. For teams like Miami, who are chasing home-court advantage, this tournament is as important as any regular-season game. The Heat’s plus-46 point differential in group play gives them a significant edge over the Bucks and 76ers.
Is Josh Giddey becoming the new face of the Bulls?
Absolutely. With DeRozan aging and Zach LaVine inconsistent, Giddey has emerged as Chicago’s most reliable playmaker and emotional leader. His 26-point comeback against Miami was his first 25+ point game since joining the team. He’s now averaging 18.4 points, 7.8 assists, and 6.9 rebounds — numbers that rival elite guards like Luka Dončić and Ja Morant.
Why was the November game played in Milwaukee?
The Emirates NBA Cup uses neutral-site venues for group games to maximize exposure and fairness. Fiserv Forum was chosen because it’s centrally located, has a large capacity, and is a modern arena with strong broadcast infrastructure. Neither team was playing at home — it was a true neutral-site matchup, as mandated by NBA regulations for Cup play.
What’s the historical significance of Miami’s 143-point game?
It was the first time in Heat franchise history they’ve scored 140+ points in four games in a single season. Their previous high was two such games in the 2012-13 season. This year’s offensive explosion — led by Adebayo’s pick-and-roll mastery and Powell’s catch-and-shoot efficiency — signals a new offensive identity for a team long known for defense and grit.
