Heat crush Bulls 143-107 behind Kel'el Ware's 20-14 double-double in NBA Cup showdown

When the Miami Heat rolled into the United Center on Friday night, no one expected a massacre. But by the final buzzer, they’d delivered one — a 143-107 demolition of the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Cup Group C Chicago on November 21, 2025. The win wasn’t just a blowout; it was a statement. With three starters out, Miami didn’t just survive — they exploded. And the guy leading the charge? A 21-year-old rookie nobody saw coming.

Ware’s Breakout Night Shines Despite Absences

Kel'el Ware, the Miami Heat’s 7-foot center wearing #7, didn’t just play well — he announced himself. Starting in place of the injured Andrew Wiggins, Ware dropped 20 points and 14 rebounds in just 28 minutes. His energy was contagious. He blocked shots, finished alley-oops, and even hit a turnaround jumper from the baseline that had the crowd groaning. "He’s not just a project anymore," said one ESPN analyst mid-game. "He’s the energizer the Heat didn’t know they needed." The twist? Ware was a standout at San Diego State, where he averaged 11.8 points and 8.9 rebounds as a sophomore before declaring for the draft. Now, in his first meaningful NBA start, he’s matching those numbers on a bigger stage — and doing it against a team that just beat the Lakers and Clippers on the road.

Heat’s Offensive Firestorm Leaves Bulls Breathless

Miami didn’t just rely on Ware. Norman Powell, acquired in a midseason trade last year, turned into a scoring machine, pouring in 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a left-handed drive that drew a foul and sent him to the line. "They guard him so far out," the broadcast noted, "and he just eats them alive." The Heat’s first half was pure chaos — 70 points. Not a typo. The highest-scoring half of any NBA Cup game this season. They pushed the pace like a track team in sneakers, averaging 122.4 possessions per 48 minutes — the fastest in the league. They forced 18 turnovers, turned them into 24 fast-break points, and blocked seven shots. "They get after you on the defensive end," said one Bulls player postgame. "And when you’re tired? They’re just getting started." It was a stark contrast to Chicago’s rhythm. The Bulls led early, but every time they found momentum — a Giddey three, a Johnson putback — Miami answered. Like clockwork. "Every time the Bulls start to get a little bit of momentum," the announcer said, "Miami is right there to shut it down."

Depth Over Stars: How Miami Won Without Their Big Three

Here’s the wild part: Miami was missing Tyler Herro, Nikola Jović, and Andrew Wiggins — three rotation staples. Wiggins was ruled out just 24 hours before tip-off. No panic. No collapse. Instead, Coach Erik Spoelstra threw out a lineup featuring Drew Smith, a 22-year-old guard from the G League, and rookie forward Feekio, who hadn’t started a game all season. Smith finished with 12 points and five assists. "He’s having a nice start to his season," the broadcast noted, almost as if surprised.

The Heat’s bench outscored Chicago’s 52-29. That’s not just depth — that’s a system. A culture. A roster built to absorb injuries and still win. They’re now 9-6 on the season, 2-5 on the road, and in second place in Group C — one game behind the Pacers. Their offensive rating? 128.4. The best in the NBA this season.

Chicago’s Struggles Reveal Bigger Problems

The Bulls, meanwhile, looked lost. Josh Giddey, their 21-year-old point guard, played 34 minutes and finished with 14 points and 9 assists — solid, but not enough. They’re now in a must-win situation heading into their next game against Miami on November 22. "We’ve been leaning into the younger guys like Johnson," said a source close to the organization, "but tonight? We got outmuscled, outcoached, and outplayed." Chicago’s defense was porous. They allowed 60 points in the paint. They gave up 19 offensive rebounds. And their three-point shooting? A dismal 29% — well below their season average of 36%. The message from management? "We’re evaluating everything," said a team insider, speaking anonymously. "This isn’t just about one loss. It’s about identity."

What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking

Miami’s next game is on November 24 in Atlanta. They’re now favorites to win Group C — and with it, a home playoff game in the Cup’s knockout round. Ware’s emergence could be the spark they need to go deep. But here’s the real question: Can they sustain this without Herro and Wiggins? Their schedule doesn’t ease up. They’ve played six games in eight days. "That’s ridiculous," said Spoelstra after the game. "But we’ve got guys who believe. That’s all that matters." For Chicago, the stakes are higher. Lose to Miami again on the 22nd, and they’re all but eliminated from Cup contention. Their front office faces pressure to make moves before the December 15 trade deadline. Are they rebuilding? Or just waiting?

Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score

This wasn’t just another game. It was a glimpse into the future. Kel'el Ware, once a raw project from San Diego State, is now a cornerstone. The Heat, once criticized for being too reliant on stars, proved they can win with depth, defense, and relentless pace. Meanwhile, Chicago’s reliance on youth is no longer a long-term plan — it’s a crisis.

The NBA Cup was designed to add meaning to November games. On Friday night, it delivered. And for the first time all season, the Heat looked like contenders — not just survivors.