James, Heat Grind Out Win Over Feisty Bulls; Video Of Nazr Mohammed Pushing LeBron Shows Tempers Flaring Up In Series
LeBron James recorded 25 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists while Chris Bosh racked up 20 points and 19 rebounds as the Miami Heat took a 2-1 series lead after grinding out a hard-earned 104-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semis at the United Center in Chicago on Friday
Fresh from 115-78 domination in Game 2, the Heat engaged in another 48 minutes of rough-tough basketball with the Bulls, who still played without Luol Deng, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose.
Yet, despite missing their stars, the Bulls made the game hellish for the Heat as they contested every shot and hustled for every loose ball.
Carlos Boozer came alive offensively after being a non-factor in the first two games of the series. The Bulls bruiser recorded 21 points and 4 rebounds while Joakim Noah had 15 boards, 11 rebounds, 4 assist, and 2 blocks in 42 minutes of action.
After absorbing their worst postseason loss in franchise history last Wednesday, the Bulls made sure it didn't happen again as they used good ball movement and tough defense on the other end to keep the game close up to final two minutes.
Nate Robinson (16 points and 6 assists) and Jimmy Butler (17 points and 5 rebounds) were once again stellar in the backcourt for Chicago, but the absence of a reliable backup center may have cost them the victory.
Nazr Mohammed, who gave the Bulls size when Noah was on the bench, was ejected early in the game after pushing James to the floor. Mohammed was apparently frustrated after trying to foul the four-time MVP in the second quarter [SEE VIDEO BELOW].
Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau couldn't believe that his back-up center was booted out of the match because of another James' flop.
"From my angle, I just saw a guy basically flop," Thibodeau told ESPn after the game, according to ESPN. "And I'm going to leave it at that."
Aside from James, the Heat got steady numbers from Bosh and Dwyane Wade (10 points), but it was the second-year guard named Norris Cole (18 points) that stepped up big time down the stretch.
The Bulls' foul troubles continued in Game 3 as they were booked for 30 personal fouls - including two technical fouls from Mohammed and Noah.
Meanwhile, the Heat shot at least 50 percent from the field for the second straight game while turning the ball over just 12 times.
The Heat will look for a commanding 3-1 lead when the series resume for Monday's Game 4 at United Center.
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