3 takeaways from the Chicago Bulls' road win over the Miami Heat

The Chicago Bulls stunned the Miami Heat with a 116-108 victory on the road Wednesday night. It was an impressive win for the Bulls against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. Here are three takeaways from the game.

Dosunmu was the right choice

Heading into the 2022-2023 NBA season, there was some debate as to who should start at point guard for the Bulls in the extended absence of Lonzo Ball. Chicago had its fair share of candidates — from veteran Goran Dragic to microwave scorer Coby White. However, the Bulls made the right choice in opting to start sophomore Ayo Dosunmu.

Dosunmu was electric against the Heat, scoring 17 points on 7-of-14 from the field, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. He also chipped in four assists, six rebounds, two steals, and a block while committing just two turnovers in 36 minutes of action. As gaudy as the numbers are, Dosunmu's composure and leadership on the court were even more impressive. He looked like a seasoned veteran, not a player in just his second season.

They're both 10-year veterans. pic.twitter.com/lcWXuEaNDt
— Bulls Talk (@NBCSBulls) October 20, 2022

Rough start for Williams

While Dosunmu's elevation as starting point guard went well, Patrick Williams' turn at power forward did not. Named as the starter on the eve of the season-opener, the Florida State product had an underwhelming stat line of just four points, two rebounds, and a steal. He also had a +/- of -8 in his 28 minutes on the floor.

In contrast, the player he beat out for the starting spot — Javonte Green — had a more profound impact in much-less minutes. The 29-year-old journeyman had six points, three rebounds, an assist, and a steal in 18 minutes. He was also a +8 on the +/- scale.

Much-improved bench

The Bulls' bench was much maligned last season. They were almost dead last in bench points per game, ranking 29th as the reserves managed just 26.7 points per game. Against the Heat, Chicago almost matched their average last season in the first half, as they tallied 25. Dragic tormented his former team, piling up 12 points, all from beyond the arc, including this crazy hail mary of a shot.

ENTER THE DRAGON 🐉@Goran_Dragic | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/eUh4dD2Wdd
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 20, 2022

Coby White added 10, while Andre Drummond pitched in nine points — including a perfect 5-of-5 from the stripe — and five rebounds. The big man also threw down this nasty slam off an alley-oop from Dragic.

The new guys connect on the oop!@AndreDrummond | @NBCSChicago pic.twitter.com/Dvwjn2ukMS
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 20, 2022