James’ Heat tame Bulls 83-72

MIAMI, Florida–LeBron James finished with 27 points, 11 rebounds and six assists and Dwyane Wade scored 18 points as the Miami Heat defeated the Chicago Bulls 83-72 at the American Airlines Arena on Thursday.

Mario Chalmers also had 16 points for the Heat who has won five consecutive games as they continue their homestand on Saturday against Washington.

A victory by the first-place Bulls would have given them homecourt advantage throughout the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference playoffs.

Joakim Noah had 15 points and 10 rebounds and John Lucas recorded 16 points and four assists for the Bulls who have won five of their last eight games.

The Heat end their homestand against Houston before going on the road to finish the season where they will play in Boston and Washington.

The Bulls played without star guard Derrick Rose who is out with a foot injury. Chicago is now 17-9 without Rose in the lineup.

The Bulls will play two of three games at home to close out the regular season.

Miami has won two of four meetings with the Bulls this season.