With reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose struggling through a miserable game, the Chicago Bulls needed a lift.
Kyle Korver and C.J. Watson were ready from the bench.
Korver provided 17 points including five 3-pointers and Watson added 16 points and nine assists in the Bulls’ 96-86 overtime victory over the Heat.
Watson’ who hit a game-tying 3-pointer at the end of regulation said the bench was ready to contribute when needed.
“Our team all supports each other, whether we play good or bad, nobody is mad about playing time,” Watson told ESPN Chicago. “It’s why we’re so successful.”
The victory boosted the Bulls’ lead for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference to four games over the second-place Heat.
“I’m not worried about my stats or anything,” Rose the Associated Press. “Can I make up excuses? Yeah. But you know me, I’m not going to use no excuse. My shots weren’t falling. Shots I normally hit, I wasn’t hitting. My teammates had my back. I’m happy I have them on my team.”
Their big efforts boosted the Bulls another step closer to the top seed in the playoffs, which earning both listing in Friday’s Studs and Duds.
STUDS
Chicago G Kyle Korver: Came off the bench to score 17 points on 6-for-8 field goal shooting, including 5 of 6 from 3-point range in the Bulls’ overtime victory over Miami. Korver was plus-24.
Chicago G C.J. Watson: Provided 16 points off the bench, added nine assists, three steals and was a game-high plus-38 in the Bulls’ comeback victory over Miami.
San Antonio F Tim Duncan: Matched his season-high with 28 points (including 20 in the second half), grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked two shots in the Spurs’ victory over Memphis.
Detroit C Greg Monroe: Went for 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and was a game-high plus-31 in the Pistons’ triumph at Charlotte.
Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin: Went for 19 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and was a game-high plus-23 in the Clippers’ victory at Minnesota.
Golden State G Klay Thompson: Produced 24 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, two steals and was plus-1 in the Warriors’ loss to Dallas.
DUDS
Chicago G Derrick Rose: Had a miserable return as he hit only 1 of 13 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-27 in the Bulls’ overtime victory over Miami.
Minnesota F Derrick Williams: Clanked through a 1-for-7 shooting effort with four turnovers and was a game-worst minus-17 in the Timberwolves’ loss to the Clippers.
Miami G Mike Miller: Went 1 for 9 from the field with three turnovers and was minus-9 in the Heat’s overtime loss to Chicago.
Los Angeles Clippers G Eric Bledsoe: Struggled through a 2-for-8 shooting night with three turnovers in the Clippers’ victory at Minnesota.
Minnesota G Jose Barea: Went 4 of 9 from the field with seven turnovers and was minus-15 in the Timberwolves’ loss to the Clippers.