These are tough times for the Bulls.

First, a fourth quarter collapse versus the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night, followed by media outbursts by Jimmy Butler and Dwyane Wade that were critical of the team. Then a tweet response by Rajon Rondo, sticking up for the “younger” Bulls.  The Bulls had a team meeting to supposedly “clear the air.” They may need another one.

Both Butler and Wade came off the bench.  Paul Zipser and Doug McDermott got the starting nods which allowed Zipser to finish with 14 points in the game.

What does that all add up to?  Another Bulls home loss at the hands of the Miami Heat (17-30).  At least the Heat were riding a five game winning streak coming into the United Center. Now, it’s six wins.  The Bulls didn’t help their cause by committing 20 turnovers. 

Chicago (23-25)  lost this game 100-88, but the fallout from the last 48 hours likely affected the squad. Jimmy Butler had a horrid night from the floor, going 1-13 and netting three points. This after his hot night last Wednesday.  Dwyane Wade wasn’t exactly lighting it up either, scoring 15 points for a team high.  He was 6-17 from the floor.

Goran Dragic scored 26 points for Miami. He was active all game, dribbling up the court, trying to get free for a shot.

Wayne Ellington, a reserve guard for the Heat scored 14 points and that gives an indication of the shooting woes for the Bulls. They can’t score the ball. Friday night, the team hit 41.8% from the field. And, this was a home game.

The Heat outscored the Bulls by 10 in the third quarter to take control of the game.

The Bulls are a discombobulated group. About the only positive thing about this game was the contribution of PG Rajon Rondo, who played 33+ minutes, scored 13 points, grabbed 7 boards and made 7 assists. When he was playing, the Bulls had some pace. Now they just need to make baskets.