Adebayo and Larsson spark fast start as Heat rout Bulls to split unusual three-game set

Miami answers Saturday loss with decisive early run at Kaseya Center

The Miami Heat delivered a wire-to-wire response against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, February 1, 2026, closing a rare three-game, four-day sequence between the teams with a 122–62 win at Kaseya Center. Miami’s rebound followed a 125–118 home loss to Chicago the previous night and came after the clubs opened the mini-series with Miami’s 116–113 road victory in Chicago on January 29.

Miami established separation immediately behind Bam Adebayo and rookie guard Pelle Larsson, who fueled early scoring and set the tone on both ends. Adebayo scored efficiently in the opening stretch, while Larsson continued a productive run that has expanded his role amid a depleted rotation.

Short-handed rotations shaped game plans on both sides

Sunday’s matchup reflected ongoing availability issues. Miami played without several regulars, and Chicago entered the game missing key contributors, forcing both teams to lean on secondary creators and pace-driven possessions. In the second game of the set on February 1, Larsson had scored 22 points for Miami, while Adebayo posted a double-double. Chicago’s win that night was driven by perimeter efficiency and ball movement, which Miami targeted in the rematch.

• January 29, 2026: Miami 116, Chicago 113 (in Chicago; makeup of a postponed January 8 game).
• February 1, 2026: Chicago 125, Miami 118 (in Miami).
• February 1, 2026: Miami 122, Chicago 62 (in Miami; series finale).

How Miami built the margin

Miami’s early offense relied on quick decisions and interior pressure, with Adebayo producing in the paint and from midrange while Larsson punished defensive lapses with timely spot-up threes and transition pushes. The Heat’s defensive activity created extra possessions, limiting clean looks and keeping Chicago from establishing a half-court rhythm.

Davion Mitchell’s return added on-ball pressure and improved tempo control, allowing Miami to initiate sets earlier in the shot clock and generate higher-quality attempts. Chicago, meanwhile, struggled to match the physicality and pace after falling behind, as Miami’s lead expanded rapidly through the first half.

Miami’s bounce-back win was built on an aggressive first half, sustained defensive pressure, and efficient scoring from Adebayo and Larsson.

What it means going forward

The result gave Miami a split of the two-game home portion of the set and a 2–1 edge across the three meetings compressed into four days. For the Heat, the performance underscored the value of Adebayo’s early assertiveness and the growing on-court impact of Larsson in an expanded role, particularly while the rotation remains unsettled.