SERIES TIED. LeBron James #6 of the Miami Heat looks to pass against Luol Deng #9 of the Chicago Bulls in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2011 NBA Playoffs. AFP
CHICAGO—The Miami Heat rebounded from a blowout loss in game one to beat the Chicago Bulls 85-75 on Wednesday and level their NBA semi-final series at one game apiece.
“Whatever it takes,” said Heat star LeBron James, who finished with 29 points. “This is the conference finals and these are two great defensive teams. But you have to be patient… keep working the offence.”
Dwyane Wade added 24 points for the Heat who managed to steal home-court advantage from the Bulls as the series now switches to Miami.
James, who has been fighting a cold this week, said he was not only relieved to get the win but also relished the chance to go home and rest up.
“Do you hear my voice?” he asked. “I put it all on line tonight. I am glad I got a few days to get back down to the great weather we got in Miami and get over it (cold).”
The Heat recovered down the stretch on Wednesday to pull even after surrendering an 11-point lead.
James drained a three pointer in the fourth to put the Heat in front for good, at 76-73. He scored nine points in the final five minutes.
James also grabbed 10 rebounds as Miami outrebounded Chicago 45-41.