Lucas III Scores 24, Bulls Beat Heat 106-102
CHICAGO (AP) — John Lucas III scored 24 points, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Miami Heat 106-102 without Derrick Rose in a charged showdown between the Eastern Conference's top two teams Wednesday night.
The Bulls built a 16-point lead in the second quarter, were up 11 at halftime and boosted it back to 17 in the third after a push by Miami. They then hung on after Miami pulled within two in the closing minute for their 11th win in 12 games.
Even better, they won without their superstar, and they did it on a night when Dwyane Wade scored 36 and LeBron James finished with 35 points for the Heat.
© 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.