MIAMI — Dwyane Wade scored 21 points as the Miami Heat improved their playoff positioning, defeating the Chicago Bulls 106-98 on Thursday night at AmericanAirlines Arena.
Two Heat players had double-doubles — point guard Goran Dragic and center Hassan Whiteside each had 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Miami (46-32) started the night in fifth place in the Eastern Conference but tied the idle Boston Celtics for fourth with the win.
Chicago (39-40), which has three games left in its season, fell three games behind the Detroit Pistons in the battle for the final playoff spot in the East. If they fall short, it would mark the first time since 2008 that the Bulls have missed the postseason.
Miami swept its four-game season series against Chicago for the first time since 2003-04.
The Bulls were powered by Pau Gasol, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds, Jimmy Butler (25 points) and Derrick Rose (17 points).
Chicago led early, never trailing in the first quarter and taking a 22-21 lead into the second. The Bulls extended their lead to 46-40 at halftime as Gasol went into the break with 13 points and eight rebounds.
After struggling in the first half (39.5 percent shooting and five turnovers), the Heat had an efficient third quarter, shooting 66.7 percent with no turnovers.
That allowed Miami to surge ahead 75-69 after three quarters. The key sequence came when the score was tied 69-69, and Whiteside had a four-point possession. He was flagrant-fouled by Doug McDermott and made both free throws. The Heat, who also got the ball after the foul shots, then went back to Whiteside, who made a layup.
In the final minutes of the fourth, Miami went on a 14-4 run to clinch the game.
NOTES: Heat G Tyler Johnson, who had rotator cuff surgery on his left shoulder Feb. 3, said he’s “70 percent” likely to return in time for the start of the playoffs. He hasn’t played since Jan. 26. … Heat G Josh Richardson leads all NBA rookies this season in 3-point shooting at 50 percent entering Thursday. TNT’s Shaquille O’Neal this week gave Richardson a new nickname. He called him BRA, which stands for Baby Ray Allen. … Chicago hasn’t had a winning month since December when it went 8-7. … Chicago has used 22 different starting lineups this season, and 15 different players have started. … Bulls SG Jimmy Butler is one of just three NBA players this season with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a game. The others are Houston G James Harden and Golden State F Draymond Green.