Miami’s run ends at 27 after defeat to Bulls

CHICAGO – Miami Heat’s 27-game winning streak in the NBA ended when they were beaten by the Chicago Bulls at a raucous United Center.

Thursday, March 28, 2013
Miami Heat small forward LeBron James (6) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half. Net photo.

WednesdayCleveland    92-93    BostonPhiladelphia    100-92     MilwaukeeToronto    88-107    AtlantaCharlotte    114-108    OrlandoNew York    108-101    MemphisNew Orleans    91-105    LA ClippersHouston    91-100    IndianaMinnesota    117-120    LA LakersOklahoma City    103-80    WashingtonSan Antonio    100-99    DenverUtah    103-88    PhoenixGolden State    98-105    SacramentoCHICAGO – Miami Heat’s 27-game winning streak in the NBA ended when they were beaten by the Chicago Bulls at a raucous United Center.The Bulls won 101-97 at home to hand the NBA champions their first defeat since February 1. Miami’s 27 consecutive wins was the second longest winning streak in the NBA.Only the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, who won 33 in a row, had a longer winning sequence in any of America’s professional sports, and after the loss, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra reflected on a remarkable accomplishment."I had everyone come in and put a hand on each other,” Spoelstra said. "It was the first time I had mentioned the streak.Playing without center Joakim Noah, guard Marco Belinelli, guard Richard Hamilton and Derrick Rose, the Bulls got 28 points from Luol Deng, while Carlos Boozer compiled 21 points and 17 rebounds.Boozer came up with the biggest basket for Chicago, fighting off two opponents to grab an offensive rebound, then following it in to make the score 96-89 with 57 seconds remaining.James led Miami with 32 points, while Chris Bosh scored 21 and Dwyane Wade had 18.