The Bulls received strong performances from guard Derrick Rose (49 points) and Kyle Korver (21 points) and power-forward Carlos Boozer (9 points, 10 rebounds).

With the score 100-91, James missed a three-pointer and Chris Bosh got the rebound. But Rose stole the ball and the on the next trip down the floor, forward Taj Gibson's baseline jumper with 2:19 left gave Chicago a 100-91 lead.

The Heat trimmed it to four a couple more times, but never got closer. Timely shooting propelled the Bulls. Whenever it looked like Miami might make a bigger dent in Chicago's lead, the Bulls responded.

Korver hit a corner three-pointer extending Chicago's lead to 98-91. Boozer hit two free throws after the Heat made it 10-91.

"More often than not, it comes down to that," Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It's a loose ball, a hustle play."

Chicago, which had not been plays its normally strong defense lately, held the Heat offense down with physical play. The Bulls outrebounded the Heat 43-31, including 12-6 on the offensive end.

"Miami is a great team, and you have play great from start to finish," Thibodeau said. "Overall, I did think we played start to finish and stepped up. … We did a great job. Great job."

Some of the Heat's closest calls during the streak were marked by uninspired starts, and a slow start finally doomed the Heat. The Heat trailed by 13 points in the first and second quarters and didn't get much help from any player except James.

James finished with 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. As great as he is, James couldn't win this game by himself.

Miami had been receiving strong play from its second unit, but its bench scored just 17 points. Heat guard Dwyane Wade ad 28 points. Chris Bosh posted 8 points, but no other Heat player reached double figures.