Three Chicago bulls most to blame for 2025 NBA play in Tournament disaster vs Heat.
1. Zach Levine – Inefficiency and Leadership Void
The spotlight has to land on Zach Levine‌. As the highest-paid player and supposed face of the franchise, Levine was expected to carry the Bulls through critical moments—especially in a win-or-go-home situation like the Play-In. Instead, he fell flat. His shot selection was questionable, often settling for contested jumpers early in the shot clock. Miami’s defense keyed in on him, and rather than adjusting or playing through the offense, Levine forced tough shots and stagnated the Bulls’ rhythm.
But more than just the stats, his performance lacked leadership. When the game got tight and Chicago needed a calming force or someone to take over with confidence and composure, Levine was either silent or inefficient. For a player on a max deal and in his prime, this kind of no-show in a critical game isn’t just disappointing—it’s damning.
Levine has been in trade rumors for two seasons now, and this loss only intensifies the conversation. If he’s not the guy who can elevate the team in big moments, then why is the franchise still building around him?
2. Billy Donovan – Poor Adjustments and Rotations
Head coach Billy Donovan has to take a heavy share of the blame as well. From the jump, Erik Spoelstra outcoached him. Miami came in with a clear game plan: pack the paint, close out on shooters, and force Chicago’s secondary creators to beat them. Donovan’s response? Minimal adjustments.
His rotation choices were also head-scratching. Coby White had stretches of solid play this season but was benched for extended periods when the offense was sputtering. Patrick Williams, a versatile defender, saw inconsistent minutes even as Miami’s wings got into rhythm. Donovan seemed reactive rather than proactive, often waiting too long to call timeouts or tweak defensive schemes.
In the biggest game of the season, coaching matters—and Donovan didn’t rise to the occasion. His inability to get Levine or DeRozan going, or to empower younger players like White and Do sunny, reflects a broader issue: this team lacked a real identity all year, and it showed on the biggest stage.
3. DeMar DeRozan – Passive Performance in the Clutch
DeMar DeRozan has been a clutch king for the Bulls in previous seasons, but against Miami, he was far too passive. While LaVine’s aggression was often misplaced, DeRozan disappeared for stretches when the Bulls needed a stabilizing force. He deferred too much, didn’t assert himself in midrange situations where he typically thrives, and failed to make a significant impact down the stretch.
At 35, it’s understandable that his athleticism isn’t what it used to be, but playoff basketball is about veterans stepping up and making smart, winning plays. DeRozan couldn’t deliver in those key moments. Whether it was fatigue, poor game planning, or just a bad night, the end result was the same: Chicago lacked its usual closer.
DeRozan’s leadership is respected in the locker room, but his on-court impact in this elimination game was lacking. If this was his last game in a Bulls jersey, it’s an unfortunate way to go out.
Final Thoughts
The Bulls’ loss to the Heat wasn’t just a single-game failure—it was the culmination of an identity crisis and roster stagnation. LaVine failed to lead, Donovan failed to adjust, and DeRozan failed to take control. With this core, Chicago has hit its ceiling, and unless there are major shake-ups in the offseason, Bulls fans may be looking at more mediocrity ahead. The blame doesn’t fall on one man—it’s shared—but these three shoulders carry
